Entrepreneurship education and training needs of family businesses operating in the agricultural sector of India

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the entrepreneurship education and training (EET) needs of small family businesses operating in the agricultural sector of the Indian economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a survey of 122 agricultural family firms in the Indian state of Punjab. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistical methods to establish causal relationships between key variables and EET needs in these family firms.

Findings

Results show that owner/managers of small family businesses have low levels of EET and hence higher needs. Lack of sufficient funds and low awareness about the availability of training are the most significant challenges for these family firms in accessing financial education and training. Factors such as level of education and training of the owner/manager were found to be major determinants of family firms’ take up of EET.

Originality/value

This research paper makes an empirically rigorous contribution to a relatively under‐researched aspect of small family businesses operating in India. The results established that EET is a prerequisite for economic growth in the agricultural sector of the Indian economy.

Citation

Sandhu, N., Hussain, J. and Matlay, H. (2012), "Entrepreneurship education and training needs of family businesses operating in the agricultural sector of India", Education + Training, Vol. 54 No. 8/9, pp. 727-743. https://doi.org/10.1108/00400911211274855