Exploring the Gaps of Metacompetencies Between Entrepreneurs and Students

Abstract

The concept of metacompetencies has not much attracted entrepreneurship research though indicated having a fundamental role in successful entrepreneurial activity. The few studies have so far based on student samples only, so there is no empirical data demonstrating how this theoretical construct is practically used in entrepreneurship. Moreover, the question being in the focus of this paper, is how metacompetencies differ when comparing groups of entrepreneurs and students. This study aims to look into these gaps.Assessing metacompetencies empirically by employing the phenomenological mode of enquiry we can explore the phenomena of metacompetencies in an entrepreneurial setting by studying thirty in-depth interviews with active entrepreneurs. It appears that metacompetencies are in frequent practical use and, more specifically this paper establishes how metacognition, meta-affection, and metaconation interact within the environment of entrepreneurship. Confronted with similar results from student reflections, the comparison reveals important discrepancies in terms of procedural knowledge and an awareness of motivation and temperament for educators to address in order to foster entrepreneurial behaviour.