Teaching companies how to be entrepreneurial: cultural change at all levels. Issue 2 (30th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gillin, Laurence Murray; Gagliardi, Rebecca; Hougaz, Laura; Knowles, David; Langhammer, Michael
• Is Part Of: Journal of business strategy. Volume 40:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 67
• Publication Date: 2018-10-30
• Subjects: Culture -- Decision making style -- Entrepreneurial-education -- Entrepreneurial-mindset -- Health-audit -- In-house education; Business planning -- Periodicals; 658.4005
• DOI: 10.1108/JBS-09-2017-0138
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0275-6668

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This case study aims to show how a strategic intervention, using an in-house delivered university entrepreneurship education program, cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset and effective innovation culture amongst company staff. The intervention produces a measured change in staff decision making style from analytical to a more intuitive style. Also assessed is the resulting management-style change to the firm's internal environment, strategic motivation and performance. Design/methodology/approach: Through a qualitative longitudinal study of Partners and staff in the firm, the authors measure the impact of the selection, integration and performance of in-house entrepreneurship education on firm culture. Findings: The authors identify organisation factors that inhibit staff entrepreneurial behaviour and by integrating an in-house education intervention, demonstrate unambiguously the resultant effective culture and entrepreneurial mindset. Research limitations/implications: Generalising results from this single longitudinal case study requires caution. The positive outcome from the in-house education concept can be considered for further evaluation within other organisations. Practical implications: Using an entrepreneurial health-audit to assess in-firm cultural behaviour enables management to identify factors fostering/inhibiting entrepreneurial activity and devise interventions to cultivate a firm-wide entrepreneurial mindset. Originality/value: In-house education is not a new concept, but a targeted focus on entrepreneurship applied strategically to a committed firm shows outstanding results. The added-value is in the demonstrated enhancement to effective innovation outcomes.