Improving Entrepreneurial Competencies in the Classroom

Abstract

The entrepreneurial competencies literature posits that nascent entrepreneurs can be taught skilled behaviors to improve the efficacy of entrepreneurial activities. Recently, Morris et al. (2013) demonstrated that 9 of 13 entrepreneurial competencies were improved for 40 students after a six-week international consulting project. The current study explores whether the same competencies can be developed in a classroom setting. Using a quasi-experimental design with a sample of undergraduate students, we conducted pre- and post-tests of entrepreneurial competencies and found that students enrolled in an Entrepreneurial Thinking course increased competencies in 6 of 13 areas.