Analyzing the Evaluation of Entrepreneurial Challenges in the Light of Entrepreneurial Expertise

• In Event: 26.078 - Professional Development in the Context of Workplace Learning

Abstract

European Commission has declared entrepreneurial competence (EC) as a key competence for lifelong learning. A crucial condition for a holistic modeling of EC is to identify the obstacles during venture creation processes. Applying three samples (N=866) with diverging expertise, we are aiming at identifying the challenges nascent entrepreneurs are confronted with. By drawing on cultural-historical activity theory and running qualitative and quantitative analyses, we are able to analyze the underlying contradictions in detail. Comparison between different expertise groups shows that novices do often underestimate certain challenges. In addition, our analyses indicate that experts have a more complex and holistic perspective on several problems. The results lead to implications on different system-levels and build therefore the basis for modeling EC.

Authors

• Holger Benninghoff, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

• Susanne Ritter-von Marx, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

• Susanne D.E. Weber, University of Munich