Entrepreneurial Learning and Bowen's Differentiation of Self: A Cross-Cultural Analysis Between Italy and South Korea

Entrepreneurial intentions are deeply influenced by cultural and contextual factors, which shape entrepreneurial archetypes and perceptions of successful entrepreneurs. Role models play a pivotal role in guiding young individuals’ aspirations toward entrepreneurship, interacting with personal traits such as family education, cultural background, and psychological characteristics. Among these traits, the concept of “differentiation of self,” rooted in Bowen’s family systems theory, emerges as a critical psychological factor. Bowen’s theory underscores the universality of self-differentiation as a developmental goal, balancing autonomy with intimacy. However, cultural contexts profoundly shape how these characteristics manifest, with significant variations between individualistic and collectivist societies. Despite the universal relevance of this construct, further research is required to explore its cultural dimensions and implications for entrepreneurship. This study investigates the relationship between self-differentiation and psychological well-being within entrepreneurial development, comparing Italy, a Mediterranean culture, and South Korea, a Confucian collectivist society. The research aims to identify cross-cultural similarities and differences, offering insights into how cultural contexts influence self-differentiation processes and their potential impact on fostering entrepreneurial intentions. These findings contribute to contemporary entrepreneurship research by integrating psychological and cultural perspectives.