Identifying the Antecedents and Consequences of Entrepreneurial Passion Using Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping

Objective: Entrepreneurial passion is considered one of the main drivers in the formation and development of new businesses. This concept is not limited to financial incentives, but rather encompasses a set of characteristics and internal tendencies that enable entrepreneurs to face challenges, take more risks, and turn their ideas into action. .

Methodology: This study was applied and conducted with a mixed approach (qualitative-quantitative). In the qualitative stage, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 experts from Lorestan University and coded using content analysis. Subsequently, the qualitative findings were used as the basis for designing a paired comparison questionnaire, and in the quantitative stage, the resulting data were analyzed using the fuzzy cognitive mapping method to determine the importance and relationships between factors. The present study is based on mixed research and is qualitative and quantitative in the inductive deductive paradigm, which is applied in terms of purpose, descriptive survey in terms of nature and method, and exploratory in terms of data collection method. The statistical population of the present study is experts consisting of managers and professors of Lorestan University, of whom 15 were considered as a research sample using purposive sampling and based on the principle of theoretical adequacy entrepreneurial enthusiasm, people who have theoretical and practical knowledge related to this concept and T a closed questionnaire based on a matrix of paired comparisons, the rows and columns of which are the factors affecting entrepreneurial enthusiasm, was provided to the sample members in person and online, and they were asked to respond to it based on a 5-point Likert scale. In this study, in order to analyze the data in the qualitative part, the content analysis approach and coding method using MaxQDA software were used to identify the factors affecting entrepreneurial enthusiasm, and in the quantitative part, the fuzzy cognitive map method was used to prioritize these factors. The validity of the data collection tool in the qualitative part was confirmed using relative content validity (ratio 1) with a coefficient of 0.77. Also, in order to measure the reliability of the interview, the intra-coder and inter-coder reliability methods were used. In the coding process, the coding was checked once by the researcher himself (within the coder) and the second time, another expert (between the coders) was asked to check the accuracy of the coding using the Cohen's Kappa test. Comparison of the results of the intra-coder and inter-coder reliability and the coefficient of 0.89 for the Cohen's Kappa test in the inter-coder section indicated confirmation of the reliability of the interview.

Findings: The qualitative section showed that the key antecedents of entrepreneurial enthusiasm include "commercialization of research, development of new businesses and startups, development of entrepreneurial skills in others and creation of job opportunities, increased revenue generation for the university/organization, increased international reputation and standing, innovation in the organization or university, solving social problems, promoting industry-university relations, increasing motivation and job satisfaction." In the quantitative section, fuzzy cognitive map analysis indicated that "competitive environment, access to financial and infrastructure resources, supportive organizational culture and leadership support, existence of learning opportunities, successful past entrepreneurial experiences, strong networking and communication, need for self-actualization and independence, identification of market opportunities, competitive environment, organizational flexibility" play a role as the most important consequences of entrepreneurial enthusiasm.



Conclusion: The findings of this study show that paying attention to entrepreneurial enthusiasm can pave the way for the growth of start-up businesses, the promotion of entrepreneurial skills, job creation, and improved organizational performance. Therefore, the results of the study can be used in educational policies, support programs, and the development of entrepreneurial culture in universities and related institutions. Entrepreneurial enthusiasm, as the main driving force in the creation and development of innovative businesses, plays a vital role in the individual success of entrepreneurs and the performance of organizations. This study showed that antecedents such as commercialization of research, development of entrepreneurial skills in individuals, and creation of job opportunities pave the way for strengthening entrepreneurial enthusiasm and empower entrepreneurs in facing challenges and risks. On the other hand, consequences such as a competitive environment, limited access to resources, and a supportive organizational culture have a direct impact on the motivation, behavior, and performance of entrepreneurs and work teams and provide conditions for growth and innovation in the organization. The research findings emphasize the importance of creating support structures, reward and performance evaluation systems, targeted training in entrepreneurial skills, and taking advantage of innovative opportunities. . .