Beyond the entrepreneur: A study of entrepreneurial learning from a social practice perspective working with scientists in West Africa

Joana Pais Zozimo, Anthony N-Yelkabong, Nigel Lockett, Lola Dada, Sarah L. Jack

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)
18 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This article contributes to extending the current conceptualisation of entrepreneurial learning by challenging the assumption that entrepreneurial learning is solely embodied in the entrepreneur. Entrepreneurial learning is an emergent trend that involves a developmental approach to learning in acting on opportunities and experiences. We apply a social practice theory to entrepreneurial learning to advance understanding of the value of entrepreneurial thinking towards informal, experiential and aspirational learning. We position entrepreneurial learning within the social learning and social practice literature in the (1) alternative formats to formal learning, and (2) implications of entrepreneurial learning, as a social practice, for management learning and entrepreneurship education research. Based on a qualitative empirical analysis of a co-created entrepreneurial learning programme for ‘Stimulating Entrepreneurial Thinking in Scientists’, this study shows that entrepreneurial thinking can be expanded beyond the entrepreneur, and developed by others such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics scientists. With the drive for individuals to become entrepreneurial in their everyday practices, our study contributes towards extending the conceptualisation of entrepreneurial learning through insights from social practice theory. In addition, by understanding the value of entrepreneurial thinking, particularly via non-formal and informal approaches to learning, our research expands underexposed issues of entrepreneurial learning across diverse audiences, contexts and disciplines.

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages23
JournalManagement Learning
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2022

Keywords

  • Entrepreneurial learning
  • entrepreneurship education
  • management learning
  • situated learning
  • social practice theory
  • West Africa

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Beyond the entrepreneur: A study of entrepreneurial learning from a social practice perspective working with scientists in West Africa'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this