Influences of Creativity and Resource Availability in the Intelligent Career Framework: Empirical Investigation of Nigerian Entrepreneurs

Purpose: This research investigates the influence of creativity and resource availability on career competencies and career success of entrepreneurs in Nigeria using the Intelligent Career Framework. Design/methodology/approach: Data was obtained using answers to questionnaires given to 348 successful entrepreneurs. The data was analysed using non-parametric software (Smart-PLS). Finding: The results indicate that entrepreneurs who understand “know-why”, “know-how”, and “know-whom” can access the required resources and are doing well in their careers. It is suggested that these competencies were significantly related to entrepreneurial career success. Resource availability moderates the relationship of knowing-how, knowing-why competencies and career success, while creativity moderates only the link between knowing-whom and entrepreneurs having successful careers. Research limitations/implications: The results help us to comprehend better the nature of successful entrepreneurial careers and the prominent role of tripartite competencies in achieving a successful career. Also emphasised here is the prominence of a more holistic perspective of these components based on a mix of social, motivational, and human capital. Practical implications: These findings hinted that entrepreneur should pay uniform consideration in fostering each career competency. There are implications for career advisers, practitioners, and entrepreneurship programs. Originality/value: This is a first-of-its-kind research that used primary source data in understanding career competencies - “knowing-how, knowing-whom, and knowing-why” - with entrepreneurs' career success in Nigeria.