Abstract

VAN DER WESTHUIZEN, T. Theory U and individual entrepreneurial orientation in developing youth entrepreneurship in South Africa. JCMAN [online]. 2017, vol.14, n.1, pp.531-553. ISSN 1815-7440.

This study investigated the applicability of Theory U and individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) in promotion of youth entrepreneurship in South Africa. Data was collected using a questionnaire completed during lectures by 380 first-year university students to determine the link between risk-taking (a factor of IEO) and co-initiating/co-sensing (factors of Theory U). In addition, the link between innovation (a factor of IEO) and co-inspiring (a factor of Theory U) and the link between pro-activeness (a factor of IEO) and co-creating/co-evolving (factors of Theory U) were investigated. The study also investigated the correlation between IEO and Theory U factors. The findings indicated that the students had a relatively positive perception of taking risk and managing risky situations, were moderately innovative, and were particularly proactive. Participants indicated strong agreement that they operated from a generative response field. Theory U and IEO scores of male and female students were similar and age was not significantly related to Theory U and IEO scores. It was concluded that Theory U and IEO can have a positive impact on the development of youth entrepreneurship. It is recommended that more research be done to explore how Theory U, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, individual entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial intent and entrepreneurial activity can be utilised to enhance the initiation and ongoing success of new ventures by young entrepreneurs in South Africa.

Keywords : co-creating; co-evolving; co-initiating; co-inspiring; co-sensing; entrepreneurial intention; entrepreneurial self-efficacy; unemployment; young entrepreneurs.

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