Unconventional entrepreneurs: the non-economic motives of souvenir sellers
Authors: Light, D., Lupu, C., Creţan, R. and Chapman, A.
Journal: Tourism Review
Volume: 79
Issue: 8
Pages: 1442-1456
eISSN: 1759-8451
ISSN: 1660-5373
DOI: 10.1108/TR-09-2023-0655
Abstract:Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine souvenir sellers as unconventional micro-entrepreneurs, focusing on non-economic motives for selling. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 20 souvenir sellers in the Romanian city of Timişoara. These were analysed using thematic analysis which identified four non-economic motives for selling souvenirs. Findings: Souvenir selling was a matter of choice rather than economic necessity. While these sellers were entrepreneurs who were seeking to generate income, non-economic motives were also important. These included passion, hobbyism and interpersonal interactions with customers. Some sellers considered themselves as cultural intermediaries, representing place and tradition to their customers. Research limitations/implications: In a European context, selling souvenirs can be a matter of lifestyle choice rather than economic necessity. Micro-entrepreneurs are frequently motivated by passion, hobbyism and interpersonal rewards as much as financial profit. This represents a particular form of unconventional or lifestyle entrepreneurship. Practical implications: The encouragement of on-street souvenir sellers by urban managers can add vibrancy to a city, enhancing the experiences of local communities and visitors. This can also encourage the development of an artisan class to enhance a city’s reputation as a creative place. Originality/value: Souvenir sellers are little researched, and this is one of few studies that has investigated this group outside Developing World contexts. This study emphasises the importance of unconventional entrepreneurship and non-economic motives for selling souvenirs in a European context.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/39402/
Source: Scopus
Unconventional entrepreneurs: the non-economic motives of souvenir sellers
Authors: Light, D., Lupu, C., Cretan, R. and Chapman, A.
Journal: TOURISM REVIEW
Volume: 79
Issue: 8
Pages: 1442-1456
eISSN: 1759-8451
ISSN: 1660-5373
DOI: 10.1108/TR-09-2023-0655
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/39402/
Source: Web of Science (Lite)
Unconventional entrepreneurs: the non-economic motives of souvenir sellers
Authors: Light, D., Lupu, C., Cretan, R. and Chapman, A.
Journal: Tourism Review
Publisher: Emerald
eISSN: 1660-5373
ISSN: 0251-3102
DOI: 10.1108/TR-09-2023-0655
Abstract:Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine souvenir sellers as unconventional micro-entrepreneurs, focusing on non-economic motives for selling.
Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 20 souvenir sellers in the Romanian city of Timişoara. These were analysed using thematic analysis which identified four non-economic motives for selling souvenirs.
Findings Souvenir selling was a matter of choice rather than economic necessity. While these sellers were entrepreneurs who were seeking to generate income, non-economic motives were also important. These included passion, hobbyism and interpersonal interactions with customers. Some sellers considered themselves as cultural intermediaries, representing place and tradition to their customers.
Research limitations/implications In a European context, selling souvenirs can be a matter of lifestyle choice rather than economic necessity. Micro-entrepreneurs are frequently motivated by passion, hobbyism and interpersonal rewards as much as financial profit. This represents a particular form of unconventional or lifestyle entrepreneurship.
Practical implications The encouragement of on-street souvenir sellers by urban managers can add vibrancy to a city, enhancing the experiences of local communities and visitors. This can also encourage the development of an artisan class to enhance a city’s reputation as a creative place.
Originality/value Souvenir sellers are little researched, and this is one of few studies that has investigated this group outside Developing World contexts. This study emphasises the importance of unconventional entrepreneurship and non-economic motives for selling souvenirs in a European context.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/39402/
Source: Manual
Unconventional entrepreneurs: the non-economic motives of souvenir sellers
Authors: Light, D., Lupu, C., Cretan, R. and Chapman, A.
Journal: Tourism Review
Publisher: Emerald
ISSN: 0251-3102
Abstract:Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine souvenir sellers as unconventional micro-entrepreneurs, focusing on non-economic motives for selling.
Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 20 souvenir sellers in the Romanian city of Timişoara. These were analysed using thematic analysis which identified four non-economic motives for selling souvenirs.
Findings Souvenir selling was a matter of choice rather than economic necessity. While these sellers were entrepreneurs who were seeking to generate income, non-economic motives were also important. These included passion, hobbyism and interpersonal interactions with customers. Some sellers considered themselves as cultural intermediaries, representing place and tradition to their customers.
Research limitations/implications In a European context, selling souvenirs can be a matter of lifestyle choice rather than economic necessity. Micro-entrepreneurs are frequently motivated by passion, hobbyism and interpersonal rewards as much as financial profit. This represents a particular form of unconventional or lifestyle entrepreneurship.
Practical implications The encouragement of on-street souvenir sellers by urban managers can add vibrancy to a city, enhancing the experiences of local communities and visitors. This can also encourage the development of an artisan class to enhance a city’s reputation as a creative place.
Originality/value Souvenir sellers are little researched, and this is one of few studies that has investigated this group outside Developing World contexts. This study emphasises the importance of unconventional entrepreneurship and non-economic motives for selling souvenirs in a European context.
https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/39402/
Source: BURO EPrints