The Essence of Entrepreneurial Learning

• Principal Topic: Learning is often assumed to be inherent in the entrepreneurship process (Corbett, 2005). Sarasvathy (2001) argued that entrepreneurs are entrepreneurial because they act effectually. Entrepreneurial learning can thus be conceptualized as development of effectual logic. Entrepreneurs use both causation and effectuation logic; however, expert entrepreneurs are more likely to act effectually and/or adapt their dominant logic to the nature  of the task while novice entrepreneurs use predominantly causal  logic (Sarasvathy, 1998; Gustavsson, 2004). Perceived control motivates individuals to engage in action.Individuals often reason from their identity to explain their behavior and in that sense the social identity offers a linkage between their identity and their action. In particular, it has been argued that individual exhibit either professional or managerial identity. How these preferences influence the self-regulatory processes and the prevailing logic has not been researched in entrepreneurship process so far. Thus, the purpose of the paper is to develop a conceptual framework illustrating the factors determining the process of development of effectual logic.Method: This paper adopts agency perspective and social identity theory to develop a framework for understanding the development of effectual logic. Agency builds the fundamental element of personal control (Bandura, 2001), while social identity is defined and bounded by membership in social groups (Tajfel, 1974). Thus, by focusing  on both  the  individual elements inherent in the self-regulatory mechanism as well as on the social aspects and expectations of the chosen role a better understanding of the development process is created.Results/Implications: By drawing specific attention to both the role perceived control and social role identity  I illustrate their importance to the entrepreneurship process and to individuals who manage this process. Insofar, the paper contributes to the entrepreneurship by extending understanding of effectual logic; as well as contributes to more contextualized view of learning process through linking both the individual and social facets. A new definition is proposed.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv -- Företagsekonomi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business -- Business Administration (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

entrepreneurial learning

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