Tiit Elenurm1, Ruth Alas1, Carlos J. Alsua2, Elizabeth J. Rozell3, Wesley A. Scroggins3, Aimin Guo4, Simon Denny5

(1. Estonian Business School, Estonia; 2. University of Arizona, USA; 3. Missouri State University, USA;

4. Henan University of Finance and Economics, China; 5. The University of Northampton, UK)

 

 

Abstract: This study introduces the concept of implicit entrepreneurship theory to examine how perceptions of entrepreneurial attributes may either resemble or vary across three culturally different countries in various stages of market structure including the United Kingdom (market), Estonia (former command, now market), and China (with mixed market and command structures). The following research questions were addressed: which characteristics of entrepreneurs are either shared or not shared among current versus potential entrepreneurs; which entrepreneurial characteristics and factors are more or less desirable of successful entrepreneurs in one country versus another; and whether cultural, social or institutional differences make certain entrepreneurial characteristics more salient in one country versus another. Focus groups and survey results revealed the following common features among entrepreneurs: Awareness of new opportunities, persistence to develop and implement new ideas, active communication and networking skills, and readiness to face new challenges. These results are important for customizing the process of entrepreneurship education to the perceived training needs in these three countries. Indeed, while entrepreneurship education could change perceptions of participants about success factors, it should also consider society’s cultural expectations of a successful entrepreneur.

 

 

Key words: international entrepreneurship; culture; success factors

 

JEL codes: D, E, M, O