Une analyse des croyances à l’origine des diverses modalités de l’Intention de Croissance

This research develops an in-depth analysis of entrepreneurs? Growth Intention (GI). It focuses on the different modalities of GI, and then proposes an analysis of the beliefs behind these various modalities. The methodological framework is based on the formative research protocol of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and on 35 qualitative interviews, which were conducted with experienced entrepreneurs. Our results allow us first to identify the different modalities and alternatives of GI. We show that GI is divided into three main modalities : Effective Growth Intention (EGI), No Growth Intention (NGI) and Intention to Not Grow (ING). Then, we explore the role played by the behavioral, normative, and control beliefs that are at the root of these various modalities. Our results indicate that each of the modalities of GI (EGI, NGI, and ING) are based on belief systems that act separately and evolve in parallel within the perceptions of entrepreneurs. EGI is fundamentally based on affective beliefs and value systems, NGI is motivated by habit, and ING is stimulated by a calculation between the perceived advantages and disadvantages of growth. These results show a set of facets and nuances of GI. They also develop a fine understanding of the beliefs that lie at the root of the various modalities of GI. Finally, on these foundations, they call into question the appropriateness of the public decisions that are implemented in order to motivate entrepreneurs to engage in growth.