The Entrepreneurial and Innovative Orientation of French, German and Dutch Engineers: The Proposal of a European Context Based Upon Some Empirical Evidence from Two Studies

Abstract

The innovative tendencies of engineers have been wellstudied; however, the entrepreneurial orientation of engineers has beenoverlooked in the literature. Engineers significantly impact upon technologicalinnovation, which significantly influences a nation's economy. Thus, thepurpose of this study is to understand the impact of a nation's culturalattitudes upon its innovative and entrepreneurial behaviors. Initially, the research focuses upon a study of French engineers; then, theresearchers compare the behaviors of French, German, and Dutch engineers andthe influence of their respective cultures upon their innovative andentrepreneurial behaviors. Several aspects of culture are identified assignificant for engineers, including the national culture, the branch culture(excluded from this study), the professional culture, and the company/corporateculture. The findings of study indicate that the French utilize creativity,originality, and design; the German focus on operational effectiveness,technical precision, and quality of innovation; and the Dutch value the needsof the customer. These differences are viewed as inherent strengths,rather than limitations to success.(AKP)

Keywords: National culture, Inventors, Engineers, Skills, Organizational cultures, Entrepreneurial environment, Scientists, Cultures, Market orientation, Innovation process, Market strategies, Cultural differences