What Makes Entrepreneurs Learn and How Do They Do It?

Abstract

What motivates entrepreneurs to learn and grow in their business is a question the answer to which has been attempted in this article. Similarly, answers to some questions like the existence of specific processes which help in generating motives for learning, the mechanisms adopted by entrepreneurs to acquire knowledge for growing their businesses, and so on, have been attempted. We all know that solving novel problems is one way which helps entrepreneurs acquire requisite knowledge. These problems are seen to proliferate more in rapidly changing environments and as businesses grow. This article is based on an empirical research which makes an attempt to uncover the processes that generate the necessary motivation to learn. It categorises learning motives and also identifies the basic external and internal learning activities which are practised by entrepreneurs. The benefits that can accrue to those who become familiar with and utilise these findings are also discussed at length. The article finally suggests an agenda for future research on entrepreneurial learning.