Ethics, Management, and the Existentialist Entrepreneur

Abstract

Because it regularly supplies both Americancapitalism and individual business organizations with new business ventures,entrepreneurship is generally regarded as a servant of capitalism and ofmanagement. In other words, conventional wisdom in America associatesentrepreneurship with the concept of management.The work of S.Venkataraman uncovers the arbitrariness of the traditional association betweenentrepreneurship and management. By autonomously incorporating the word "no" into the definition andconduct of their personal projects--e.g., choosing to leave unjust employmentto start a business--entrepreneurs demonstrate their understanding of endings,creative freedom, and autonomy.Such an understanding distinguishesentrepreneurs from managers, whose logic leaves no room for the autonomousincorporation of "no" into managerial action, such as "no, you maynot do that."Steeped in corporation, stewardship, and corporatestrategy, the manager's job does not include the contemplation of"no." Venkataraman's interpretation of entrepreneurship as an existentialphenomenon (distinct from management) has implications for management educationand entrepreneurship research.For example, it is uncertain whetherstewards of American management education can afford to continue housingentrepreneurship.Also, it is possible that conversations about theexistential entrepreneur belong in the humanities. (SAA)

Keywords: Existentialism, Venkataraman, Sankaran, Economics, Creativity, Ethics, Autonomy, Management education, Entrepreneurship education, Firm management, Capitalism