A Framework of Entrepreneurial Competencies: A Case Study of Cameroon

Abstract

Successful entrepreneurial venture heavily depends on exogenous and endogenous factors that cannot be ignored. However, a lack of knowledge and understanding of endogenous factors such as entrepreneurial competencies has led to the failure of many ventures. Thus entrepreneurial competencies must be taken into consideration in planning a venture. By using the competency approach, this study identified the entrepreneurial competencies needed for a successful venture through interviews, observations, and documents. This case study utilized Merriam’s data analysis process to identify the required entrepreneurial competencies for successful ventures. Fourteen successful entrepreneurs served as participants and were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. This study was conducted in Younde andDouala, Cameroon. The findings revealed seven entrepreneurial competencies: opportunity-seeking competency, learning competency, relationship competency, managerial competency, market –competition competency, and technical competency, concluding that entrepreneurial competencies are vital for a successful venture.