Entrepreneurs without Academic Entrepreneurial Education – Unravelling Behavioral Patterns and Coping Mechanisms

Abstract Education intricately shapes human behavior, including entrepreneurial endeavors. Recent academic discussions have focused on entrepreneurial education programs and their effects on firm’s performance, thereby overlooking behavioral implications. However, this research domain is particularly important for entrepreneurs without academic entrepreneurship-related education, potentially lacking theoretical skills, knowledge, and access to resources. Adopting grounded theory methodology, this study analyzes interview data from 41 entrepreneurs. The findings demonstrate the interplay of education-related starting challenges, entrepreneurial motivation and entrepreneurial characteristics, influencing entrepreneurial behavior. In a new conceptual framework, the three identified coping mechanisms using self-learning opportunities, learning through practical experience and actively looking for support, play a central role in overcoming potential disadvantages. This study thus contributes to the academic discussion of entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial behavior opening various avenues for further research. Furthermore, it provides practical implications for entrepreneurs, policy makers, organizations and institutions.