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The role of mentoring in the learning development of the novice entrepreneur

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Abstract

It has been recognized that learning outcomes can be divided into three general categories: Cognitive, skill-based, and affective learning. Moreover, public organizations offer mentoring-inspired support programs to novice entrepreneurs starting a business. This study explores entrepreneurial learning through mentoring. We have coded 53 learning outcomes acquired by novice entrepreneurs through their mentoring relationship. These learning outcomes were analysed using the three general categories and linked with the mentor’s way of promoting learning. Cognitive learning accounts for 62% of total learning outcomes and affective learning makes up 35.9%, which leaves skill-based learning in a marginal position. In addition, methods used by the mentor to ensure mentee learning affect learning content. Mentees were also asked to describe the benefits of their mentoring relationship through discussion groups. From a cognitive learning standpoint, benefits reported by entrepreneurs include an increase in management knowledge and skills, improved vision for their business venture and identifying new opportunities. Benefits resulting from affective learning include a greater sense of self-efficacy, validation of one’s entrepreneurial self-image and a lowered sense of solitude, all factors that could ultimately influence entrepreneur resilience. These results reveal the scope and limitations of mentoring as means to support learning.

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Notes

  1. The term “protégé” appears in literature pertaining to mentoring within large organizations in reference to sponsorship mentoring. In the context of mentoring for an entrepreneur, the term “mentee” is normally used. This term is preferred by entrepreneurs as it does not evoke the need for protection implied by the terms “protégé” or even “sponsor”. Therefore, “mentee” will be used in reference to mentoring with an entrepreneur.

  2. The study was conducted in French with the following definition: On définit l’apprentissage comme étant un acte ou un processus par lequel un changement de comportement, des savoirs, des habiletés ou des attitudes sont intégrés

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Institut de Recherche sur les PME, Pavillon Desjardins-Hydro-Québec, bur. 1426, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada

    Etienne St-Jean

  2. Faculté des Sciences de l’Administration, Université Laval (Québec), Pavillon Palasis-Prince, bur. 1640, G1V 0A6, Quebec City, QC, Canada

    Josée Audet

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  1. Etienne St-Jean
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Correspondence to Etienne St-Jean.

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St-Jean, E., Audet, J. The role of mentoring in the learning development of the novice entrepreneur. Int Entrep Manag J 8, 119–140 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-009-0130-7

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