ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS A CAREER OPTION FOR AFRICAN YOUTHS

This paper presents findings from a pilot study of four African entrepreneurs new to established, all who started their business as young people. Their narratives, enhanced by the inclusion of significant events derived by the use of the critical incident technique, provide useful oral insights into...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of developmental entrepreneurship 2011-03, Vol.16 (1), p.145-164
Main Authors: BEEKA, BEEM H., RIMMINGTON, MIKE
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Children & youth
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship
Heuristic
Occupational choice
Studies
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Summary:This paper presents findings from a pilot study of four African entrepreneurs new to established, all who started their business as young people. Their narratives, enhanced by the inclusion of significant events derived by the use of the critical incident technique, provide useful oral insights into their entrepreneurial heuristics and behavior. These reveal key influences and critical issues that affect the young African's decision to start a business and also perspectives into the nature of entrepreneurship in Africa. This paper concludes that the dichotomy between push and pull entrepreneurship is oversimplified, and social structures such as class, education and family background impact on ideas, opportunities, resources, skills and motivation. But most importantly, entrepreneurship can survive in an environment with many constraints, because career choices are influenced by the youth entrepreneur's perception, decision-making abilities and experiences. Implications are drawn for the development of young entrepreneurs in Africa.
ISSN:1084-9467
1793-706X
DOI:10.1142/S1084946711001707