Madani, Seyed Nima (2024) Business Owners’ Careers: Motives in the Longer Term. Masters thesis, Concordia University.
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Abstract
This thesis looks at the motives that affect the careers of business owner-managers. Using McClelland's Need Theory and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, this research examines how achievement, power, and affiliation shift over time and affect decisions about whether to continue working or retire.
The study used a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured in-depth interviews with twelve business owner-managers over fifty years old. These interviews provided valuable insights into how their motives have changed throughout their lives, the challenges they face regarding retirement, and the effects of their decisions on themselves and their businesses. The analysis explored six themes: Achievement, Power, Affiliation, Emotional Fulfillment, Perceived Change, and Retirement Plans. These themes help explain why business owner-managers stay involved in their work even past the traditional retirement age.
The findings show that early in their careers, many business owner-managers focus on financial success, innovation, and influence. As they age, their priorities shift toward sustaining their businesses, creating a legacy, and building relationships. By exploring these changes, this thesis helps deepen our understanding of how aging business owner-managers manage their careers and what keeps them engaged. These insights are essential for the business community as it considers the significant impact of aging business owner-managers on sustainability and the economy.
| Divisions: | Concordia University > John Molson School of Business > Management |
|---|---|
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
| Authors: | Madani, Seyed Nima |
| Institution: | Concordia University |
| Degree Name: | M. Sc. |
| Program: | Management |
| Date: | 3 December 2024 |
| Thesis Supervisor(s): | Dyer, Linda |
| Keywords: | Motives Business Owners Retirement |
| ID Code: | 994921 |
| Deposited By: | Seyed Nima Madani |
| Deposited On: | 17 Jun 2025 17:41 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Jun 2025 17:41 |
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