Understanding relational qualities of entrepreneurial learning: Towards a multi-layered approach

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present a multi-layered relational framework of entrepreneurial learning by embedding the conceptual tools of a continental thinker, Pierre Bourdieu, in a social constructionist paradigmatic approach. Through a longitudinal study based on participant observation and in-depth qualitative interviews, entrepreneurial learning processes of five nascent entrepreneurs who have formed a venture team have been examined as a case study. Relational qualities of entrepreneurial learning can be illuminated by exploring dispositions and different forms of capital that nascent entrepreneurs hold at the micro-individual level, which are inextricably linked to the meso-relational level of developing an entrepreneurial habitus as they navigate through the process of business venturing. Such a multi-layered conceptualisation of entrepreneurial learning transcends individual-, team-, firm- and network-level analyses of the subject by generating insights from both micro- and meso-layers.

Keywords:

• entrepreneurial learning
• nascent entrepreneur
• venture team
• Bourdieu
• social constructionism
• relational approach

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank ERD Editor Professor Alistair Anderson and two anonymous reviewers of the journal, for their constructive feedback and very substantial help in shaping the article. The author also extends her special thanks to Professor Elizabeth Chell for her guidance.

Notes

Note

1. In order to conceal the actual names of the people and location involved the pseudonyms were used as Denise, Charles, Paul, Adam and Luke for the nascent entrepreneurs and KBrandArt for the venture.