Cultural prototypes of the successful entrepreneur: a cross-cultural comparison of Estonia, the United Kingdom and China

Abstract

This paper reflects the results of the first stage of the international research program “Entrepreneurship Work in Organizations Requiring Leadership Development” (E-WORLD). Focus group results in the United Kingdom, Estonia, and China are compared in order to highlight implicit beliefs about successful entrepreneurs in these countries. There are common features of entrepreneurs in the three countries: determination and persistence, active communication and networking, readiness to face new challenges and risks. However, cultural differences are evident in interpreting social obligations of entrepreneurs, in linking future orientation and communication, and in perception of entrepreneurial risks and challenge