Key Variables

• DISCENYY: Respondent shut down a business in the past 12 years

• EXREASON: Most important reason for quitting the business
  

Exits of businesses form an essential part of the entrepreneurial process. GEM captures exits not only by asking respondents if they have been involved in the exit of a business, but also about the main reason for quitting the business. Furthermore, there is information if the business continued when the entrepreneur abandoned his or her involvement. 

The information, as shown in several GEM reports, makes clear that a substantial number of exit decisions are not motivated by negative developments. In fact, they can mirror positive developments, like the opportunity to sell the business or to move on in an attractive new job.

• Have you, in the past 12 months, sold, shut down, discontinued or quit a business you owned and managed, any form of self-employment, or selling goods or services to anyone? {DISCENT}

• If “YES” to the above question: Did the business continue its business activities after you quit? {EXBUSCON}

• What was the most important reason for quitting this business? {EXREASON}