Discovering resource mobilization pattern of selected necessity entrepreneurs in the Philippines

There is limited literature available about Filipino necessity entrepreneurs, particularly about how they gather resources before starting their businesses. Most scholarly articles about this group describe them as unemployed, low-skilled individuals who are undercapitalized but still pursue their ventures to earn a modest amount for themselves and their families. In other words, necessity entrepreneurs are compelled to become entrepreneurs, unlike most literature that defines entrepreneurship as a choice. This study is based on the resource-based view and resource dependence theory and uses the resource mobilization framework. The study utilizes a multiple case study research design using a critical rationalist approach by featuring a barber, manicurist, food kiosk owner, and drug store owner. Pattern-matching is used for data analysis. The results indicate that necessity entrepreneurs use resource bricolage, while opportunity entrepreneurs use resource optimization when starting a venture.