According to Beeka (1993) human behaviour represents a complex interplay between the individual and environment. This is because personalities are unique, physical aspects are inherited while psychological aspects are primarily learnt. Beeka (2015) provides a sociological contribution to the career and opportunity process literature showing empirical evidences that social networks influence the entrepreneurial career enabling vocational socialisation, including opportunity identification and development through friends and family, role models and contacts. Hence, to understand people we have to study their background and how they live (Beeka, 1993). This white paper contributes knowledge about how the social environment influences the decision to become an entrepreneur.
Entrepreneurship Career Socialisation
Fundamentally, individual backgrounds and networks predispose the young toward the entrepreneurial career (Arenius and Minniti 2005; Beeka, 2011, 2015; Bosma et al., 2012; Casson et al., 2006; Collins et al., 1964; Delmar and Davidsson, 2000; Diomande, 1990; Dyer, 1994; Gibb, 1987; Gibson, 2004; Granovetter, 1985, 2005; Gregoire et al., 2010; Kuratko, 2009; Lindquist et al., 2012; Morrison, 2000; Nicolaou et al., 2008; Owualah, 1999; Ray, 2007; Shane, 2000; Steier et al., 2009; Thomas and Mueller, 2000). Thus, youths are conditioned into the career by parents, friends, relatives, and other entrepreneurs (known) and unknown (e.g. community). These social structures stimulate careers, and shape interest to available opportunities (Beeka, 2011, 2015; Hodkinson and Sparkes, 1997). Beeka (2015) finds parental enterprise background or informal advice influences the career (Blenkinsopp et al., 2006). Additionally, through having entrepreneurial parents or grandparents some believe enterprise is genetic; Beeka (2015) and Lindquist et al. (2012) support that some entrepreneurs are born while others are nurtured into an entrepreneurial career.
Social Learning & Entrepreneurship as a Feasible Career Path
Furthermore, Beeka (2015) consistent with the social learning theory (Bandura, 1977) advocate through observing entrepreneurial behaviour career socialisation and learning occurs. There are clear links between role models and entrepreneurial intentions (Beeka, 2011, 2015; Bosma et al., 2012), with successful entrepreneurial stories from the communities and media important because many young person’s decide to pursue the career influenced by the identity, behaviour, examples and opinion of others (Ajzen, 1991; Akerlof and Kranton, 2000; Beeka, 2015; Bosma et al., 2012). Therefore, how does the social environment influence the decision to become an entrepreneur? Generally, knowing other entrepreneurs positively impacts and legitimises entrepreneurial ambitions (Beeka, 2015; Davidsson and Wiklund, 1997; Mueller, 2006), this legitimacy encourages that entrepreneurship is a feasible career path (Beeka, 2015).
An entrepreneur is one who makes the career choice, identifies, and consistently develops opportunity” (Dr Beem Beeka)
Paper excerpts from the following sources:
1. Beeka, B. H (2015) Entrepreneurship as a Viable Career Choice for Nigerian Youth. Sheffield Business School, Sheffield Hallam University Doctor of Philosophy Thesis. Framework
2. Beeka, B. H. and Rimmington, M. (2011) Entrepreneurship as a viable career option for African youths. Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship. 16 (1), 145- 164. Cited by 79
3. Beeka, B and Rimmington, M. (2011) Tourism entrepreneurship as a career choice for the young in Nigeria. Tourism Planning and Development. 8 (2) 215-223. Cited by 6
4. Beeka, B. (2011) Entrepreneurship as a career choice: Opportunity recognition model from an emerging economy. In Lee, B and Palmer, N.J (Eds) Sheffield Doctoral Conference Proceedings, pp. 19-36. Sheffield: The University of Sheffield Management School Research Office. Won Best Conference Paper
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