Abhatoo - Centre Nationale de Documentation

Necessity entrepreneurship arises when individuals are compelled to engage in entrepreneurial activities due to a lack of more favorable employment opportunities, in contrast to opportunity entrepreneurship, which emerges from attractive business prospects. This distinction is based on fundamental motivations: opportunity entrepreneurship is often associated with innovation and economic growth, whereas necessity entrepreneurship is generally linked to economic constraints and high unemployment rates.
In the current economic context, characterized by recurrent financial crises, fluctuations in unemployment rates, and increasing disparities, the study of necessity entrepreneurship is gaining importance. This form of entrepreneurship is particularly crucial in developing countries, where it often represents the only means for many individuals to meet their needs and those of their families.
This article is based on a systematic review of academic articles and research on necessity entrepreneurship. It analyzes the specific characteristics of necessity entrepreneurs and the factors influencing their entrepreneurial journey, presenting an exploration of these entrepreneurs' profiles, their motivations, and the obstacles they face.
Additionally, it evaluates the economic and social impact of their activities, providing perspectives for policymakers and support organizations to formulate recommendations aimed at creating a favorable environment and tailored support programs, thereby enhancing the economic potential of necessity entrepreneurship in developing economies.
By situating necessity entrepreneurship within a broader theoretical framework, integrating theories of motivation and entrepreneurial behavior, the study enriches the understanding of the underlying dynamics. Theories such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Barney's resource-based view offer valuable insights into why individuals facing unmet fundamental needs or limited access to resources may be driven to undertake entrepreneurship out of necessity. The exploration of contextual and cultural differences in necessity entrepreneurship reveals significant variability in entrepreneurship rates between countries, influenced by economic conditions, social structures, and public policies.
This systematic literature review provides a comprehensive analysis of necessity entrepreneurship and its socio-economic repercussions, making a substantial contribution to the academic literature in management sciences.