The effect of insecurity and corruption on opportunity-driven entrepreneurship in Mexico: an fsQCA analysis

PurposeOpportunity-driven entrepreneurship (ODEs) is a key to economic development. Consequently, the emigration of potential ODEs constitutes a barrier to the development of the country of origin. Thus, this study examines how the combined effect of subjective insecurity, corruption perception, subjective norm towards emigration, socioeconomic level and the entrepreneurial intention of potentially opportunity-driven university students can affect their propensity to emigrate.Design/methodology/approachA sample of students (N = 354) from the Technological University of the State of Zacatecas is surveyed, and a causal model based on the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) configuration methodology is proposed.FindingsThe results suggest that future graduates are more likely to emigrate when their corruption and/or insecurity perceptions are high. In addition, the subjective norm is decisive when taking the decision to emigrate. Finally, in the specific cases of individuals with the highest entrepreneurial intentions as well, their perceptions of corruption and insecurity have a great influence.Originality/valueThis study addresses, from a cognitive point of view, the effect on ODEs of phenomena that are strongly prevalent in Mexico, such as citizen insecurity, corruption, poverty and the migratory tradition.