Exploring the motives for entrepreneurship in the meal-sharing economy

Abstract

Despite the popularity of entrepreneurship in tourism and hospitality and the increasing usage of meal-sharing economy platforms by locals, there is no research combining both in the extant literature. This research ascertains the main entrepreneurship motivations in the meal-sharing economy platforms. To attain our aim, a qualitative research approach was adopted, and thirteen interviews were conducted with service providers in the meal-sharing economy platforms. The data was examined through thematic analysis. As a result of the inspection, two main motives and eight sub-dimensions were determined: social and cultural motives (e.g. the gratification of hosting, altruism, source of cultural capital and, social interaction) and economic motives (e.g. monetary, facilitators, network, and independence). Theoretical implications were discussed as well as limitations and future research lines.