Week 2 Reading Reflection

The first chapter was well-constructed and pleasant to read.  I appreciated the groundwork laid for future chapters and the framework from which entrepreneurship will be examined.

Questions

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations?

The history of entrepreneurship, especially the origin of the word from French, was a surprise.  I was also intrigued by how the concept of entrepreneurship has been expanding outside of just the business realm.  This is actually productive because innovation, passion, and resources are needed to solve problems that fall outside of the scope of business but the processes and dedication of business are very much needed to tackle all kinds of problems.

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

The schools of thoughts were confusing to some degree but mostly because the concept was one that I have not thought about much before.  With further reading, I am sure this will become clear.

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

I would want to know if this great emphasis on entrepreneurship – the heroes of today – is diluting the field or bringing so many people into it for the wrong reasons.
How dangerous are gazelles?  I say this because striving for 20% or more success, for many entrepreneurs, can be quite dangerous.  Shouldn’t expectations be tempered by lowering the “gazelle” bar?

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

I do believe that there are many dimensions or aspects of entrepreneurship and much of it can be taught but there is also something special about entrepreneurs that truly make a difference.  This is only the first chapter of the text so my thinking is open and could change dramatically but as of now, I still believe that the great entrepreneurs are born with something that others do not have.  So I am not convinced that entrepreneurship or everything about it can be taught or learned.