Introduction
In many rural development programs and policies, the main focus is on economic, physical and infrastructural aspects, and the psychological dimensions and entrepreneurial spirit of villagers have received less attention. Sustainable rural development is only achieved when, in addition to financial and technical support, attention is paid to the transformation of individuals' attitudes, motivation, psychological strength and self-confidence. the aim of this research is to identify and prioritize the components of entrepreneurial spirit among rural entrepreneurs in western Golestan province. While there are potential capacities such as indigenous and local resources, the existence of rural women's and youth cooperatives, and the need for new businesses in the agricultural value chain in these areas, Therefore, identifying the psychological dimensions and individual characteristics of entrepreneurs plays an important role in encouraging and accepting new opportunities and businesses in rural areas.
Materials and Methods
This research is of an applied type and in terms of data collection, it is a survey type. The statistical population consisted of 240 rural entrepreneurs in western Golestan province in 1403, of which 144 were selected by proportional random sampling using the Krejci and Morgan table. The research tool was a questionnaire whose validity (face and content) was confirmed by rural development experts and university faculty members; diagnostic validity was obtained using the extracted mean variance index; and the reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha calculation and composite reliability. The data were analyzed with a researcher-made questionnaire with eight components (including independence, risk-taking, self-confidence, need for success, self-efficacy, creativity and innovation, internal locus of control, and tolerance for ambiguity) using SPSS v26 and SmartPLS v3 software.
Results and Discussion
The results of the factor analysis of the model showed that the two components of internal locus of control and tolerance of ambiguity were removed from the model due to their lack of significance, the revised model, consisting of six factors—autonomy (β = 0.706, the most influential factor), risk-taking (β = 0.682), self-efficacy (β = 0.556), need for achievement (β = 0.512), self-confidence (β = 0.442), and creativity and innovation (β = 0.326) represented, respectively, the most to the least important components of entrepreneurial spirit from the perspective of rural entrepreneurs. Rural entrepreneurs in the region have a strong tendency to be self-reliant, make independent decisions, and assume group responsibility. This spirit is the main cornerstone for forming new businesses that are resistant to external challenges. According to the results of the component of tolerance of ambiguity, entrepreneurs, i.e., facing ambiguous and unstable conditions (which is the essence of the entrepreneurial environment), still need more support and reinforcement.
Conclusions
Rural development planners should focus on the psychological and software dimensions of development, along with physical and supportive infrastructure, to prepare the ground for transforming ideas into operational and sustainable rural businesses. In this regard, creating motivating and supportive environments for the growth of ideas, creativity, and innovation among rural youth, strengthening self-confidence, self-efficacy, and hope for the future through empowering villagers with extension training, individual and group counseling, and modeling successful rural entrepreneurs to extension of entrepreneurship culture and increase credibility in achieving success in local and indigenous businesses is recommended.