Exploring the Different Patterns of Entrepreneurial Exit: The Causes and Consequences

Since the phenomena of entrepreneurship became popular among scholars and politicians, it seems that it is addressed as "golden formula" for economic growth, regional development and personal wellbeing. Success is motivating and for any reason, maybe because of the Angelo-American dominance in this field, failure is not an option. From qualitative research it is known that before one single entrepreneurial success, many failures are to overcome first. Especially in the start-up phase of entrepreneurship the unwanted exit occurs in most cases. In the non-American part of the world, failure as an entrepreneur is not only a financial deception; it is often experienced as an emotional and social disaster with hugh negative impact on further social and professional career. This paper wants to contribute to the knowledge and insights on the causes and effects of entrepreneurial exit scenarios. This might shed some light on the dark sides of entrepreneurship and give opportunities to designers of support-systems for starting entrepreneurs and curricula of universities and colleges to prevent young nascent entrepreneurs for a tragic and traumatic entrepreneurial exit experience.Product Innovatie ManagementIndustrial Design Engineerin