Week 3 Reading Reflection

  In this edition of Reading Reflections we will examine some of my reactions regarding information presented in Ch. 2 of Kuratko's Entrepreneurship.


  The thing that surprised me the most was included in the section labeled "the dark side of entrepreneurship". Besides external risks like financial and social ones, the text states that a majority of successful businesspeople had back problems, indigestion, insomnia, headaches, and psychological impairment. While they achieved their goals, the price paid directly affected their health. In my opinion, health and happiness should always be prioritized. However I definitely understand that rational of not succeeding being even more detrimental to your mental and physical health.

  I would not use the term "confused", but the portion of the reading involving examining cognitive processes left me with a few questions. I understand all of the terms and processes mentioned, but I am not sure of how simply and confidently the authors were able to assert them into the scope of this topic. Sure, I agree that certain cognitive processes are linked to the entrepreneurial mind-set, but the text explains it in a vague way. The author even admits that "it is far less clear whether this [cognitive difference] originates from idiosyncratic factor and events... or from the very experience of entrepreneurship by these individuals." What I am saying is, the text makes strong theories and assertions that lead the reader to believe one thing while actively admitting the research is not conclusive.

  I would want to ask the author:
1) how long did it take to gather the resources and citations needed to complete this book
2) Do you find it interesting that here is a field where evidence isn't completely solidified yet? Have you personally made up any of these terms or definitions that will become standard for the field in the future?

  I don't think anything was incorrect in this chapter. My only problem is that while studied properly and explained clearly, there still will be partial mystery concerning the subjective nature of innate individual characteristics. The traits and cognitive processes described in this chapter are certainly true and verifiable, BUT not always going to be 100%. I wish the author would address this rather than just using relative terms like "most" or "almost all".