Drivers of religious entrepreneurial behaviour among Pentecostal pastors: push-pull-mooring theory and theory of planned behaviour

ABSTRACT Little academic research has been devoted to entrepreneurship and religion, and the major focus has been on religious beliefs and entrepreneurial behaviour. Studies investigating the determinants of religious entrepreneurial behaviour are scarce. Given the inconclusive and largely context-specific nature of studies that explored the determinants of entrepreneurial intentions/behaviour, understanding the drivers of religious entrepreneurial behaviour of Pentecostal pastors in South-East Nigeria will provide more insights into the literature. A qualitative survey has been conducted using the push–pull-mooring theory and the theory of planned behaviour. Findings confirm that push factors (dissatisfaction with former denomination/employer, evangelism, and poor economic status), pull factors (personal innovativeness, perceived opportunity, and perceived better economic condition), and mooring factors (spirituality, attitude, subjective norms, self-efficacy, and support from others) influence religious entrepreneurial behaviour of Pentecostal pastors. The study provides theoretical insights and practical guidelines for religious entrepreneurship in the emerging African economy, especially, Nigeria.