New Publication on Learning from Entrepreneurship Clubs

February 28, 2011

International Small Business Journal, 2011, 29(1), 37-57

Luke Pittaway and his co-authors: Elena Rodriguez-Falcon (University of Sheffield, UK); Olaojo Aiyegbayo (University of Huddersfield, UK) and Amanda King (Georgia Southern University) have had a new article published in the International Small Business Journal.  The paper entitled ‘The role of entrepreneurship clubs and societies in entrepreneurial learning’ was published in the February edition of the journal.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the role of student entrepreneurship clubs and societies, to explore their impact on student learning and to understand the extent to which they simulate entrepreneurial learning.  The study reports on three studies conducted during 2006-2007 that explore three different forms of clubs; entrepreneurship clubs; SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise) teams; and, investment clubs.  The study explores data from ten unstructured interviews, a series of telephone interviews and data from an e-mail postcard. The results show that student’s motivations for engaging in entrepreneurship clubs are varied and that they differ between different types of clubs.  In terms of entrepreneurial learning there is data to support the view that being involved in clubs and societies provides greater opportunities for students to ‘learn by doing’ through action and experience.  There is also evidence showing that increased action can lead to reflective practice and that social learning is an important component.  The study illustrates the capacity of entrepreneurship education to simulate entrepreneurial learning, shows the value of entrepreneurship clubs and societies and explains why students engage in them.

About the authors

Dr. Luke Pittaway is the William A Freeman Distinguished Chair in Free Enterprise and the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Learning and Leadership at Georgia Southern University (Georgia, USA) where he leads the entrepreneurship program.

Elena Rodriguez-Falcon is a Senior University Teacher in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield (UK) and the Director of Teaching and Learning Development for Inclusive Curricula.  She leads courses in enterprise development within the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Olaojo Aiyegbayo is a research assistant at the University of Huddersfield.  During his most recent appointment at the University of Bristol he undertook research on fund managers and investment relations.

Dr. Amanda King is an Associate Professor of Economics at Georgia Southern University. She earned her Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in 2000 and her current research looks at how consumers use credit cards.