Students' perceptions on intrapreneurship education – prerequisites for learning organisations

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study is to understand the prerequisites for learning organisations (LO) as perceived by university students. Intrapreneurship education offers possibilities to increase student's adaptation of learning organisation's climate and behaviour. By analysing students' perceptions, more information about learning organisation creation was achieved. Content analysis was used to interpret the results. In total, 310 first year university master's degree students in Finland answered a series open-ended questions. The results show that for intrapreneurship education to result in an increase in learning organisations it should be based on individual motivation and the self-management skills of the students. Both practical and theoretical skills are needed to achieve the aims of intrapreneurship education. Participation, openness and flexibility direct students to achieve the aims of learning organisations. The pursuit of and the use of knowledge are both needed in intrapreneurship education. Students' critical thinking and evaluation among other intrapreneurial skills should be developed and upgraded.