Description
Book SynopsisThis fascinating and original textbook - an excellent introductory text for both graduate and undergraduate students - attempts to enhance and advance our understanding of entrepreneurship. In this intriguing book, Bjorn Bjerke contends that entrepreneurship cannot, to any great extent, be planned in advance. He goes as far as to suggest that planning could be against the very essence of entrepreneurship. The book explains that entrepreneurship is about courage rather than willpower, is to be venturesome and undertaking whilst experimenting, networking and pushing oneself forward, and concerns exploiting mistakes as essential learning curves.
The importance of the entrepreneur as a human being is strongly expressed, as is the idea that entrepreneurship is closer to art and aesthetics than science and mathematics. Language, argues the author, plays a decisive role and philosophy provides a solid basis when we try to come to grips with the nature of entrepreneurship. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Bjorn Bjerke asserts that all these points alert us to one simple fact: it is not possible to define a 'typical' entrepreneur or to present a model method of operating and supporting an entrepreneurial venture.
Understanding Entrepreneurship is a truly remarkable textbook that will provide an absorbing and illuminating read for all those - academics, students and practitioners alike - with an interest in entrepreneurship.
Trade Review'It is an important book. . . Bjerke's subjectification of entrepreneurship enmeshed in the understanding perspective provides an excellent springboard for beginning to "understand" entrepreneurship in mainstream research.' -- Maria Aggestam, International Small Business Journal
'This is a most informative book that takes a comprehensive look at entrepreneurship in its many guises. . . This excellent volume can certainly be recommended to academics, students and practitioners interested in entrepreneurship.' -- First Trust Bank Economic Outlook and Business Review
'This book is both topical and interesting. Bjorn writes with the authority of an expert. This is a scholarly work covering both established and core elements of entrepreneurship and also some innovative insights for a deeper understanding of the domain.' -- David Carson, University of Ulster, UK
Table of ContentsContents: Preface 1. Our New Entrepreneurial Society 2. A Framework for Explaining or Understanding Entrepreneurship 3. To Explain Entrepreneurs 4. To Understand Entrepreneurs 5. Entrepreneurship and Networks 6. Entrepreneurship and Growth 7. Entrepreneurship and Regional Development 8. Can Entrepreneurship be Taught? References Index
