Title: A study of collegiate entrepreneurship in Ireland

Authors: Naomi Birdthistle

Addresses: Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, Department of Management and Marketing, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine and discuss the behaviour and intentions of students in their decision to start entrepreneurial activities and establish an enterprise. In applying aspects of personality to the respondents, the findings indicate that the majority are extroverted; they are highly compatible and conscientious and highly stable in terms of their emotions. These findings are quite heartening as these personality traits are important for entrepreneurs when establishing and running a business. The study presents some encouraging findings concerning the intentions of students to start a business. Some 82% of respondents have had some thoughts or have started with the realisation and founded a business. This indicates that even at a young age, Irish people are creative in their thinking and also see self-employment as a career option.

Keywords: entrepreneurship education; collegiate entrepreneurship; personality construct; founding a business; business start-ups; tertiary education; Ireland; entrepreneurial activities; creative thinking; self-employment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2010.030623

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2010 Vol.9 No.2, pp.227 - 242

Published online: 27 Dec 2009 *

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