The Role of Entrepreneurship Clubs and Societies in Entrepreneurial Learning
International Small Business Journal, 29, 1, 37-57.
37 Pages Posted: 28 Jul 2016
Date Written: January 4, 2011
Abstract
This paper focuses on the role of student entrepreneurship clubs and societies. It explores their impact on student learning in order to understand the extent to which such activities simulate entrepreneurial learning. The paper reports three studies conducted from 2006-2007, which explored three different forms of clubs; entrepreneurship clubs; SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise) teams; and, investment clubs. Data from ten unstructured interviews, a series of telephone interviews and an e-mail postcard are reported. The results show that students’ motivations for engaging in clubs vary and that they differ between different types of clubs. In terms of entrepreneurial learning students’ engagement in clubs and societies provides enhanced opportunities for ‘learn by doing’ through action and experience. The data show that increased action leads to reflective practice and that social learning is important. The paper highlights the capacity of entrepreneurship education to simulate entrepreneurial learning, illustrating the value of entrepreneurship clubs and societies and explaining why students engage in them.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Learning, Clubs, Societies, Entrepreneurship Education
JEL Classification: M13
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation