The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between network, peer pressure and entrepreneurial intentions. The impact of network peer pressure is investigated using the example of the entrepreneurship study program at the Center for Digital Technology and Management (CDTM) in Munich. The research is conducted as part of the seminar „Entrepreneurial networks and family businesses“ at TUM, Munich.
This paper follows a qualitative case study design, well-suited in early stages of research or when a fresh perspective is needed like here in the case of observing peer pressure effects in a different context as done before. Data sources were semi structured interviews and a literature review.
Whereas effects of peer pressure have been seen rather negatively in previous literature, the results of this study shows that in the case of the observed network CDTM a lot of positively perceived peer support could be noticed, inspiring entrepreneurial intentions and easing the founding process.
The results of this paper could be of interest for both practicioners and scientists. By researching about the influence of entrepreneurial education, practical implications could be derived and future research on the effects of peer pressure on entrepreneurial intentions (two concepts which have not been put into context so far) might be inspired.
Table of Contents
1 Abstract
2 Introduction
3 Main part
3.1 Term definition
3.2 Research question
3.3 Theoretical background
3.4 Derived propositions
3.5 Method
3.5.1 Independent variable: network at CDTM
3.5.2 The chosen case studies
3.6 Results
4 Conclusion
4.1 Discussion
4.2 Limitations & Future Research
5 References
Objectives and Core Themes
This paper investigates the relationship between social networks, peer pressure, and entrepreneurial intentions, focusing on the entrepreneurship program at the Center for Digital Technology and Management (CDTM) in Munich. It seeks to understand whether peer pressure in an educational context acts as a negative constraint or a positive motivator for founding a startup.
- The influence of social networks on individual entrepreneurial intentions.
- Re-evaluating peer pressure from a negative to a potentially positive driver.
- Analysis of entrepreneurship education as an environment for peer support.
- Qualitative case study approach involving CDTM participants and alumni.
- Distinction between external social conformity and internal entrepreneurial motivation.
Excerpt from the Book
3.5.1 Independent variable: network at CDTM
The network, students gain through taking part in the additional entrepreneurship study program at the CDTM will form the independent variable of this research. The interdisciplinary, three semester add-on study program forms part of the Elite Network of Bavaria and is a joint institution of Technische Universität München and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität. 25 students from various study backgrounds and countries are accepted each semester and trained in innovation, product development and entrepreneurship during practical projects with industry partners. Today one third of all students found their own company during or after finishing their studies inlcuding successful examples like the companies Stylight and Freeletics (CDTM, 2016).
The CDTM hereby constitutes both - a collective and competitive network - and as a result a very influential peer group, even referred to as „CDTM family“ by its members. The CDTM can furthermore be characterized and allocated as follows according to the three elements of networks (Hoang & Antoncic, 2003):
• Network content, as the nature of content exchanged between actors:
Content that is exchanged via networks is for example, information, idea sparring, access to investors and advise (Hoang & Yi, 2015). The CDTM through its strong and helpful alumni network and established relationships with industry partners facilitates the exchange of this content (CDTM, 2016).
Summary of Chapters
1 Abstract: Provides a high-level overview of the research purpose, methodology, findings, and the academic contribution regarding peer pressure in entrepreneurial education.
2 Introduction: Establishes the relevance of social influence and peer pressure, defining the research gap and the central question regarding the impact of networks on entrepreneurial intentions.
3 Main part: Details the definitions, theoretical framework, methodology (case studies), and the empirical results derived from interviews regarding the CDTM network.
4 Conclusion: Summarizes the study's insights and addresses the limitations while identifying avenues for future research.
5 References: Lists the academic literature and sources consulted for this seminar paper.
Keywords
Network, Peer pressure, Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial intentions, CDTM, Social influence, Conformity, In-group collectivism, Startup, Innovation, Entrepreneurship education, Case study, Motivation, Mentoring, Alumni network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper examines how peer pressure within social networks, specifically in entrepreneurship education programs, influences the entrepreneurial intentions of students.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The core themes include the role of social norms, the impact of peer support on startup activities, the nature of entrepreneurial networks, and the psychological effects of group conformity.
What is the primary research question?
The research question is: "In which way does peer pressure deriving from a person’s social network influence his/her entrepreneurial intentions?"
Which scientific method is utilized?
The author employs a qualitative case study design, incorporating semi-structured interviews with CDTM students and alumni alongside a comprehensive literature review.
What is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main part defines key terms, establishes the theoretical background via social influence theories, presents the research propositions, describes the CDTM network, and analyzes interview results.
What key terms characterize this research?
Key terms include entrepreneurial intentions, peer pressure, social networks, conformity, and entrepreneurship education.
How is the "CDTM family" perceived by the interviewees?
Interviewees view it as a supportive community with high trust that provides valuable resources, though it also creates an internal pressure to maintain the network's high reputation.
Does the paper conclude that peer pressure is negative?
No, the study suggests that in an entrepreneurial education context, this influence is often perceived positively as "peer support," motivating students rather than forcing them into unwanted conformity.
Why was the CDTM specifically chosen for this case study?
The CDTM was selected because it perfectly exemplifies a collective and competitive network where all critical network elements for entrepreneurial success can be observed.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Nathalie Wilk (Autor:in), 2016, The influence of network peer pressure on entrepreneurial intentions, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/368325
