Theories of entrepreneurship

The theory of entrepreneurship helps us to comprehend phenomena better. By understanding theory, one can apply the same in practice more effectively. Various theories of entrepreneurship have been propounded by thinkers. They can be classified into three categories:

1. Sociological.
2. Economic.
3. Cultural.

Sociological theories of entrepreneurship

1. Max Weber’s theory: Salient features of his theory are:
   • The spirit of Capitalism is highlighted.
   • An adventurous spirit facilitates taking risks.
   • Protestant ethics embodying rebellion is conducive.
   • Inducement of profit is the criterion.
2. E.E. Hagen’s theory
   • Reveals a general model of the social- interrelationship among physical environment, social structure, personality and culture.
   • Thinks economic theories are inadequate.
   • Political & social change– a catalyst for entrepreneurs.
   • Rejects follower’s syndrome imitating western technology. Technology is an integral part of the socio-cultural complex.
   • Historic shift as a factor initiates change.

Economic theories of entrepreneurship

Schumpeter’s theory of innovation: Development implies carrying one of the new combinations of entrepreneurship. ‘Entrepreneur’ is an innovator– who carries a new combination of:

• goods/ services
• method of production
• market
• source of supply of raw materials.
• organization.

Harvard Business School considers entrepreneurship as the outcome of the combination of internal and external forces.

1. Internal forces– Individual’s  traits and qualities viz:
   • Intelligence.
   • Skill.
   • Knowledge.
   • Intuition.
   • Exposure & experience.
2. External forces– Surrounding’s conditions  viz:
   • Economic.
   • Political.
   • Social  & cultural.
   • Legal framework: Stable Govt. External security, law & order and legal process are the influencing factors.

Cultural theories of entrepreneurship

1. Hoselitzs theory: He explains that the supply of Entrepreneurship is governed by cultural factors & culturally minority groups are the spark–plugs of entrepreneurial economic development.
   • Marginal men- Reservoir of entrepreneurial development. Ambiguous positions from a cultural or social statement make them creative.
   • Emphasis on skills- Who possess extraordinary skills. The function of managerial additional personal traits & leadership skills. Additional personal traits. Exportation of profitability to lend.
   • Contribution of social classes- Socioeconomic economic background of specific classes makes them entrepreneurs. Family patterns in France, protestants in UK/USA & Parsees in India.
2. Peter F Drucker on entrepreneurship: “An entrepreneur is one who always searches for change, rapidness to it and exploits it as an opportunity.” He emphasizes on:
   1. Innovation.
   2. Resource: A thing is regarded as a resource when its economic value is recognized. For example; a fixed salary can also be an opportunity. Thus instalment purchase was introduced.
3. ECO  model
   • Entrepreneurship.
   • Creativity.
   • Organization.

A detailed explanation of the above-mentioned cultural theories of entrepreneurship is discussed here.