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Digitalization in Entrepreneurship: Unveiling the Motivational and Demographic Influences towards Sustainable Digital Sales Strategies

Author

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  • Samuel Plečko

    (Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Maribor, Slomškov trg, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia)

  • Polona Tominc

    (Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Maribor, Slomškov trg, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia)

  • Karin Širec

    (Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Maribor, Slomškov trg, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia)

Abstract

Digitalization is incrementally transforming business practices, particularly in sales and digital marketing, although the factors motivating entrepreneurs to adopt digital technologies in sales strategies remain underexplored. Consequently, the aim of our research is to identify the factors that influence the use of digital technologies in sales. This research elucidates the interplay between demographics and entrepreneurial motivations, utilizing data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, involving 464 entrepreneurs in Slovenia and Croatia, analyzed through logistic regression. Notably, demographic factors, including gender, age, and education, do not significantly influence digitalization adoption in sales strategies. Among entrepreneurial motives, only the aspiration “to make a difference in the world” propels entrepreneurs towards considering digital sales approaches, while other motivations do not have a significant influence. Despite extensive studies on demographic factors influencing digital technology adoption, a consistent trend is conspicuously absent, necessitating an intricate examination of various dimensions of digital business transformation. Furthermore, our findings underscore that, while digitalization is acclaimed for enhancing companies’ profitability, entrepreneurs motivated by altruistic goals demonstrate a pronounced proclivity to integrate digitalization into sales, signifying that digitalization’s pragmatic utility extends beyond merely amplifying profitability and growth, insinuating a more integrative role in sculpting sustainable entrepreneurial practices and business models.

Suggested Citation

  • Samuel Plečko & Polona Tominc & Karin Širec, 2023. "Digitalization in Entrepreneurship: Unveiling the Motivational and Demographic Influences towards Sustainable Digital Sales Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-19, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:23:p:16150-:d:1284364
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Verhoef, Peter C. & Broekhuizen, Thijs & Bart, Yakov & Bhattacharya, Abhi & Qi Dong, John & Fabian, Nicolai & Haenlein, Michael, 2021. "Digital transformation: A multidisciplinary reflection and research agenda," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 889-901.
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    4. Andreas Rauch & Johan Wiklund & G.T. Lumpkin & Michael Frese, 2009. "Entrepreneurial Orientation and Business Performance: An Assessment of past Research and Suggestions for the Future," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 33(3), pages 761-787, May.
    5. Radicic, Dragana & Petković, Saša, 2023. "Impact of digitalization on technological innovations in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Caterina Foá, 2025. "Black Entrepreneurship and DEI: Profiles and Challenges of African Descendant Entrepreneurs Within the Portuguese Ecosystem," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 13.
    2. Jiayi Huang & Peng Zhou, 2025. "Open Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A Review from the Perspective of Sustainable Business Models," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-11, January.
    3. Xiao Wen Wang & Muhammad Umar & Nada Khaddage-Soboh & Adnan Safi, 2024. "From innovation to impact: unraveling the complexities of entrepreneurship in the digital age," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 20(4), pages 3207-3221, December.

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