engleski

Exploring entrepreneurial learning in Croatian SMEs

The purpose of this study is to investigate and advance our understanding of the entrepreneurial learning in SMEs. The paper begins by explaining conceptual framework of entrepreneurial learning and the role of previous experience in developing entrepreneurial competencies. In second section of the paper three theoretically different approaches (experiential approach, cognitive/affective approach and networking approach) are discussed. The third section outlines data collection, including a description of the sample and the questionnaire. Descriptive analysis confirms the importance of critical factors which influence entrepreneurial learning. Factor analysis was used to determine whether theoretically based aspects of entrepreneurial learning could describe entrepreneurial learning in Croatian SMEs. The results generally support theoretical predictions. Two aspects of entrepreneurial learning have been determined ("experiential" and “cognitive/affective"). Even though the third aspect was not confirmed, the remaining variables, which did not meet the criteria to form a factor, depict the "networking approach". The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of this study for future research.

entrepreneurial learning; experience; SMEs

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