Entrepreneurial learning in informal apprenticeship programs: exploring the learning process of the Igbo Apprenticeship System (IAS) in Nigeria. [Article]

Irene, Bridget; Chukwuma-Nwuba, Eunice Oluwakem; Lockyer, Joan; Onoshakpor, Chioma; Ndeh, Siona

Abstract

This research examines the unique learning process of the Igbo Apprenticeship System (IAS). This approach to the development of enterprises and entrepreneurship, originated in the ethnic group of communities in the Southeastern part of Nigeria, uses mimetic learning to instil in its participants' knowledge and behaviours intended to create a lifelong approach and mindset to entrepreneurship development. This form of mimetic learning predates the mediaeval era and takes place outside the formal educational system. As a consequence, it largely does not rely on participants having a specific level of educational achievement. Rather it requires a long-term commitment from the apprentice, their family and the entrepreneur. The research expands the theoretical understanding of entrepreneurial learning through an evaluation of an entirely experiential base model, using the Mimetic Theory and Institutional Logics as the critical lens to explore the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention and social learning. It evaluates and combines the available evidence into a conceptual framework that shapes the process of entrepreneurial learning as an experiential activity. Qualitative data was collected from 40 current apprentices and 20 former apprentices (now ‘ogas’ or masters) and critically analysed using the illustrative case study and process tracing approach. The research contributes to the extant entrepreneurial learning process literature by identifying, reviewing and synthesizing available research into a conceptual framework that explores the process of entrepreneurial learning as an experiential process. It also highlights effective mechanisms of skills transfer and business training, contributing to the literature on informal/vocational training and human capital development. Key issues in entrepreneurship education including the different informal learning processes of the IAS and the identification of specific dynamics in the interaction and development of the learners were examined.

Citation

IRENE, B., CHUKWUMA-NWUBA, E.O., LOCKYER, J., ONOSHAKPOR, C. and NDEH, S. 2024. Entrepreneurial learning in informal apprenticeship programs: exploring the learning process of the Igbo Apprenticeship System (IAS) in Nigeria. Cogent business and management [online] 11(1), article number 2399312. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2024.2399312

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 28, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Sep 10, 2024
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2024
• Deposit Date: Aug 29, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 29, 2024
• Journal: Cogent business and management
• Electronic ISSN: 2331-1975
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 2399312
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2024.2399312
• Keywords: Igbo Apprenticeship System (IAS); Apprenticeships; Mimetic learning; Institutional logics; Entrepreneurship; Learning; Theories of learning; Education studies
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2446189
• Additional Information: This article has been published with separate supporting information. This supporting information has been incorporated into a single file on this repository and can be found at the end of the file associated with this output.