The definition of entrepreneurship has been debated and re-defined multiple times over the years. Still, recent research suggests that it is not just about starting a business, but is a mindset and way of approaching opportunities and challenges, regardless of whether one is starting a business or not. This rethinking of the definition of entrepreneurship highlights the importance of entrepreneurial thinking in today's rapidly changing business environment and emphasizes the need for organizations to foster an entrepreneurial mindset in their employees.
In the traditional sense, an entrepreneur is typically defined as someone who starts a business. However, as the business world has evolved and the definition of what constitutes a business has become more complex, the definition of an entrepreneur has also evolved. Gartner, in their article "Who is an Entrepreneur is the Wrong Question," argue that the traditional definition of an entrepreneur is too limiting and narrow. They suggest that entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business, but is a mindset and a way of approaching opportunities and challenges, regardless of whether one is starting a business or not. According to the authors, “Entrepreneurship is not about starting a business. It is about recognizing and pursuing opportunities with determination, creativity, and risk-taking (Gartner, 1988).”
This perspective challenges the notion that entrepreneurship is only for those who are starting their own business and highlights that anyone can have an entrepreneurial mindset, regardless of their job title or role in an organization. In today's rapidly changing business environment, having an entrepreneurial mindset can be crucial for individuals to succeed and for organizations to remain competitive. An entrepreneurial mindset means being able to identify opportunities, being proactive, and taking calculated risks, which can be valuable for any individual or organization, regardless of whether they are starting a business or not.
Herbert and Link, in "In Search of the Meaning of Entrepreneurship," take a similar approach, arguing that entrepreneurship is a process, not just a personality trait or job title. They suggest that entrepreneurship is a dynamic process of creating value by bringing together a unique package of resources to exploit an opportunity. This perspective highlights that entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business, but about recognizing an opportunity and taking the necessary steps to turn it into a reality. This definition of entrepreneurship is broader than the traditional definition and emphasizes the importance of the entrepreneurial process, rather than just the outcome of starting a business.
Sarasvathy, in her article "What Makes Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurial," supports these ideas and suggests that entrepreneurship is a mindset and way of thinking characterized by a specific set of behaviors, such as identifying opportunities, being proactive, and taking calculated risks. According to Sarasvathy, "Entrepreneurial behavior can be seen as a particular way of perceiving and exploiting opportunities, independent of the resources currently controlled (Sarasvathy, 2006)." This perspective highlights that entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business, but about having the ability to see opportunities where others do not and having the determination to turn these opportunities into a reality.
The idea that entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business, but is a mindset and way of approaching opportunities and challenges, has important implications for organizations. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in their employees, organizations can become more innovative, adaptable, and competitive. Entrepreneurial thinking can help organizations identify new opportunities and find creative solutions to problems, which can lead to increased success in the long term.
However, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in employees is not always easy. It requires a shift in culture and mindset, as well as the development of a supportive environment that encourages risk-taking and innovation. Organizations need to create a culture that values entrepreneurial thinking and provides employees with the resources and support they need to pursue new opportunities and take calculated risks. This includes providing access to training and development opportunities, as well as creating a supportive environment that encourages experimentation and allows for
failure. Organizations that can successfully foster an entrepreneurial mindset in their employees will have a competitive advantage in today's rapidly changing business environment.
In conclusion, the traditional definition of an entrepreneur as someone who starts a business is becoming increasingly outdated and limiting. The research in these articles suggests that entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business, but is a mindset and way of approaching opportunities and challenges, regardless of whether one is starting a business or not. Entrepreneurial thinking can be valuable for individuals and organizations alike, and organizations that foster an entrepreneurial mindset in their employees will have a competitive advantage. The shift towards this more comprehensive definition of entrepreneurship highlights the importance of entrepreneurial thinking in today's business environment and the need for organizations to create a supportive environment that encourages risk-taking and innovation.
References
Gartner, W. B. (1988). “who is an entrepreneur?” is the wrong question. American Journal of Small Business, 12(4), 11–32. https://doi.org/10.1177/104225878801200401
Hebert, R. F., & Link, A. N. (1989). In search of the meaning of entrepreneurship. Small Business Economics, 1(1), 39–49. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00389915
Sarasvathy, S. D. (2006). What makes entrepreneurs entrepreneurial? SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.909038
