Abstract
The journey from entrepreneurial intention to entrepreneurial invention involves various considerations for individuals with an intention to start a business in the next 3 years. While some individuals with entrepreneurial intentions pursue higher education prior to starting a business, some start businesses without graduating from a degree program—prompting an exploration of various entrepreneurial learning options. This study uncovered the learning strategies employed by individuals with entrepreneurial intentions when navigating informal learning environments, particularly social media, through a phenomenological qualitative approach. The study explored the phenomenon of entrepreneurial learning experiences through investigating the use of social media platforms as informal learning environments, the functional elements of social media platforms, and how these elements support the cultivation of personal learning environments. Data was collected from individuals, aged 25-34, with entrepreneurial intentions and individuals involved in early-stage entrepreneurial activity in the researcher’s personal and professional network, through homogenous purposive sampling. Thematic analysis yielded technological adaptability, intentionality and consciousness, and initiative as processes to describe the extent in which individuals navigate social media as informal learning environments. These findings contributed to the conclusion that individuals with entrepreneurial intentions personalize their entrepreneurial learning through intention, consciousness, and initiative while navigating multiple social media platforms as Entrepreneurial Personal Learning Environments (EPLE).
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Entrepreneurship—Study and teaching; Non-formal education; Social media in education
Date of Award
2025
School Affiliation
Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Department/Program
Education
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate
Faculty Advisor
Kent Rhodes
Recommended Citation
Gray, Joshua Lyndon, "From intent to invent: an exploration of the entrepreneurial learning strategies of entrepreneurially-intentioned individuals when navigating social media as an informal learning environment" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 1592.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1592