This research examines the concept of entrepreneurial learning and relates it to Deepak Chopra's seven spiritual laws of success. The article first examines generic processes in motivating entrepreneurs to engage in self-directed learning projects on behalf of their businesses. Then it examines three modes of learning as they apply to practising entrepreneurs. Triple-loop learning is proposed as the deepest level of entrepreneurial learning. Triple-loop learners are considered the most likely entrepreneurs to practise the seven spiritual laws of success. Finally, each of the seven laws is related back to the motives that inspire entrepreneurs to learn.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Anderson, D. and L.A. Anderson (2001), Beyond Change Management: Advanced Strategies for Today's Transformational Leaders ( San Francisco: Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer ).
2.
Argyris, C. (1985), Strategy, Change, and Defensive Routines ( Boston, MA: Pitman ).
3.
Bargh, A. (1984), ‘Automatic and Conscious Processing of Social Information’, in J.R.S. Wyer and T.K. Srull , eds, Handbook of Social Cognition, pp.1–44 ( Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum ).
4.
Beck, L.C. and C.C. Cowan (1996), Spiral Dynamics: Mastering Values, Leadership and Change ( Malden, MA: Blackwell ).
5.
Bruner, J.S. (1967), ‘On Perceptual Readiness’, in E.P. Hollander and R.G. Hunt , eds, Current Perspectives in Social Psychology, pp. 29–34 ( New York: Oxford University Press ).
6.
Cameron, K.S. and R.E. Quinn (1988), Paradox and Transformation: Toward a Theory of Change in Organization and Management ( Cambridge, MA: Ballinger ).
7.
Chopra, D. (1994), The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of your Dreams ( San Rafael, CA: Amber-Allen Publishing ; Novato, CA: New World Library ).
8.
Dutton, J. E. and S.E. Jackson (1987), ‘ Categorizing Strategic Issues: Links to Organizational Action , Academy of Management Review, 12 (1), 76–90 .
9.
Ford, J.D. and D.A. Baucus (1987), ‘ Organizational Adaptation to Performance Downturns: An Interpretation-based Perspective , Academy of Management Review, 12 (2), 366–80 .
10.
Garud, R. and J.F. Porac (1999), ‘Kognition’, in J.F. Porac and R. Garud , eds, Advances in Managerial Cognition and Organizational Information Processing, Vol. 6, pp. ix–xix ( Stamford, CT: JAI Press ).
11.
Gatewood, E.J. , K.G. Shaver , and W.B. Gartner (1995), ‘ A Longitudinal Study of Cognitive Factors Influencing Start-up Behaviors and Success of Venture Creation ’, Journal of Business Venturing, 10 (5), 371–91 .
12.
Glynn, M.A. , T.K. Lant and F.J. Milliken (1994), ‘Mapping Learning Processes in Organizations: A Multi-level Framework Linking Learning and Organizing’, in C. Stubbart , J.R. Meindl and J.F. Porac , eds, Advances in Managerial Cognition and Organizational Information Processing, Vol. 5, pp.43–83 ( Greenwich, CT.: JAI Press ).
13.
Gugliemino, P.J. and L.A. Klatt (1993), ‘ Entrepreneurs as Self-directed Learners ’, in J.S. Devlin and M.M. Trevino , eds, Proceedings 38th World Conference ICSB, pp. 200–16 (Las Vegas, NV: International Council for Small Business [ICSB]).
14.
Hambrick, D.C. and L.M. Crozier (1985), ‘ Stumblers and Stars in the Management of Rapid Growth ’, Journal of Business Venturing, 1 (1), 3–45 .
15.
Kiesler, S. and L. Sproull (1982), ‘ Managerial Responses to Changing Environments: Perspectives on Problem Sensing from Social Cognition ’, Administrative Science Quarterly, 27 (4), 548–70 .
16.
Knowles, M.S. (1984), The Adult Learner: A Neglected Species ( Houston: Gulf Publishing ).
17.
Naidu, G.M. and C.L. Narayana (1990), ‘Problem-solving Skills and Growth in Successful Entrepreneurial Firms’, in N.C. Churchill , S. Birley , J. Doutriaux , E.J. Gatewood , F.S. Hoy and W.E. Wetzel, Jr , eds, Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research, pp. 87–99 ( Wellesley, MA: Babson College ).
18.
Pounds, W.F. (1969), ‘ The Process of Problem Finding ’, Industrial Management Review, 2 (1), 1–19 .
19.
Reuber, A.R. and E.M. Fischer (1993), ‘The Learning Experiences of Entrepreneurs’, in N.C. Churchill , S. Birley , J. Doutriaux , E.J. Gatewood , F.S. Hoy and W.E. Wetzel, Jr , eds, Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research, pp. 234–45 ( Wellesley, MA: Babson College ).
20.
Senge, P.M. (1990), The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization ( New York: Doubleday ).
21.
Sexton, D.L. , N.B. Upton , L.E. Wacholtz and P.P. McDougal (1997), ‘ Learning Needs of Growth-oriented Entrepreneurs ’, Journal of Business Venturing, 12 (1), 1–8 .
22.
Torbert, B. and Associates (2004), Action Inquiry: The Secret of Timely and Transforming Leadership ( San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publishers ).
23.
Dyer, W. (2004), The Power of Intention ( Carlsbad, CA: Hay House ).
24.
Weick, K.E. (1979), The Social Psychology of Organizing ( Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley ).
Young, J.E. and J.M. Logsdon (2005), ‘ Integral Sensemaking for Executives: The Evolution of Spiritually Based Integral Consciousness ’, Journal of Management, Spirituality and Religion, 2 (1), 67–103 .
27.
Young, J.E. and D.L. Sexton (2003), ‘ What Makes Entrepreneurs Learn and How Do They Do It? ’, Journal of Entrepreneurship, 12 (2), 155–82 .
