Oliveira, António José Monteiro deColpaart, Yvonne Levina Suzanne2024-12-132024-12-132024-05-29http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/26838This thesis examines the dichotomy between profit-driven and purpose-driven entrepreneurship and sheds light on the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in sustainable business practices. By examining the diverse perspectives within an organization and the broader entrepreneurial landscape, this research highlights the critical importance of defining and aligning sustainable business goals. The core of this thesis focuses on fundamental questions about entrepreneurial behaviour and the potential for transformative change in behavioural patterns. It examines the motivations of entrepreneurs toward sustainability and explores strategies to encourage a shift from profit-driven to purpose-driven models. Using an innovative approach that incorporates the Shapero (1984) model, this research illuminates the complex interplay between intentions and actual behaviour in sustainable entrepreneurship. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding and raising awareness of as a driver for change and highlights the interconnectedness of corporate business- and sustainable responsibility. The journey from personal reflection to scientific research and the methodology employed integrates insights from the Event Model of Shapero (1984), offering valuable insights into the drivers and barriers to purpose-driven and profit-driven entrepreneurship. As a result, we saw in this research that there is a lack of correlation between the behaviour of purpose-driven entrepreneurs, perceived feasibility, and desirability, which is an important discovery. It suggests a re-evaluation of existing entrepreneurship frameworks and encourages the development of new support systems that recognize and nurture the unique motivations of purposeful entrepreneurs. On the other hand, this correlation is shown positively by profit-driven entrepreneurs. This differentiation suggests that entrepreneurial studies should consider separate analytical models or frameworks for different types of entrepreneurs, as their motivations and decision-making processes can significantly differ. The broader impact of these findings lies in the potential shift in how entrepreneurship is understood and supported globally. Recognizing that a significant segment of entrepreneurs operate independently of traditional motivational factors opens the door to more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial landscapes. This can lead to a more diverse and richer ecosystem where different types of businesses thrive, ultimately contributing to a more dynamic and resilient economy. By laying the foundation for a more cohesive and impactful approach to sustainable business, this thesis aims to inspire meaningful and lasting contributions to address the pressing global environmental challenges of our time.The study explores the behavioural patterns of purpose-driven versus profit-driven entrepreneurs, specifically examining the relationship between their behaviour and the variables of perceived feasibility and perceived desirability. Through an extensive literature review, this research examines the conceptual framework, historical context, and behavioural patterns of entrepreneurs, followed by a focused analysis of social, sustainable, and environmental entrepreneurship. The innovative approach of this study lies in the ones who are surveyed, entrepreneurs reflecting on their past behaviour. To address this imperative in a timely manner, a methodology incorporating Event Model of Shapero (1984) has been employed, shedding light on the drivers and barriers to sustainable entrepreneurship. The findings reveal that purpose-driven entrepreneurs exhibit no significant correlation between their behaviour and these motivational factors. In contrast, profit-driven entrepreneurs show a clear correlation with both perceived feasibility and desirability. This suggests the need to re-evaluate existing entrepreneurial frameworks and develop support systems tailored to the unique motivations of purpose-driven individuals. The broader implications advocate for a more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial landscape, fostering a richer and more resilient economy.engPurpose-driven entrepreneurshipProfit-driven entrepreneurshipBehaviourmaster thesis203754611