Contemporary opinions on the importance of entrepreneurial competencies

Abstract

When starting a new business, entrepreneurs used the acquired experience, skills, and competencies. The paper aims to determine opinions on the most important competencies that entrepreneurs need to start their business. The research is based on the questionnaire to survey entrepreneurs and students of economics. We try to determine the differences in their opinions. We assume that the views of entrepreneurs already running a business near reflect the competencies' real usefulness. We used the questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. When comparing entrepreneurs and students, statistically significant differences are in most competencies. Students evaluated entrepreneurial competencies significantly less important than entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs' opinions on competencies do not depend on enterprise size. Similarly, students' views on competencies are not related to their gender. Our study suggests a significant discrepancy between students' opinions on the importance of various competencies and reality.