The impact of education on an entrepreneur’s environmental scanning activities in growing their business

Abstract

This research project investigated the impact of education on an entrepreneur’s opportunity and threat identification skills through the environmental scanning activities and modes that the entrepreneur adopted. The aim of the research was to identify the types and levels of education which entrepreneurs should have in order that they can scan their environments effectively and achieve high growth rates. South Africa, like other developing countries, has a dire need to address poverty. Entrepreneurship is seen as a vehicle for poverty alleviation and socio-economic empowerment (Schlemer & Hudson, 2004) and a means of enhancing South Africa’s global competitiveness (Rogerson, 2004). The research was conducted with a view that it would contribute to the lessons of how to achieve entrepreneurial success. The study was conducted using quantitative research methodology. The target population was entrepreneurs in South Africa, within the Information Technology, Construction and Advertising industries. The study found that entrepreneurs with a secondary education scanned less effectively than entrepreneurs with tertiary qualifications. This finding is synonymous with low income countries where there is pressure to develop businesses. The research also found that entrepreneurs with a science background scanned the environment more than entrepreneurs with other qualifications and achieved higher revenue growth levels than other entrepreneurs. Copyright