Title: Entrepreneurial skills assessment: an exploratory study

Authors: William L. Smith, Ken Schallenkamp, Douglas E. Eichholz

Addresses: School of Business, Emporia State University, 1200 Commercial, Campus Box 4058, Emporia, KS 66801, USA. ' School of Business, Emporia State University, 1200 Commercial, Campus Box 4058, Emporia, KS 66801, USA. ' School of Business, Emporia State University, 1200 Commercial, Campus Box 4058, Emporia, KS 66801, USA

Abstract: This paper examines literature related to 17 skills suggested as being critical to individuals seeking to embark on entrepreneurial activities. It also reports the results of an exploratory study regarding the importance and usefulness of these skills to individuals pursuing entrepreneurial activities. The exploratory study disclosed that nine of the skills ranked highest in both importance and usefulness. All 17 skills are discussed in the context of the literature review and the exploratory study. Implications for future research and for practice are also presented.

Keywords: assessment; entrepreneurial skills; technical skills; managerial skills; personal maturity skills; exploratory study; entrepreneurial development system.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMED.2007.011791

International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 2007 Vol.4 No.2, pp.179 - 201

Published online: 22 Dec 2006 *

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