How to stimulate transformative learning? an explorative study into the triggers of transformative learning in the context of entrepreneurial development
This research focused on developing a greater understanding of the process of and factors that affect transformative learning within the entrepreneurial context. Diaries of entrepreneurs engaged in an incubator program were analysed and coded on instances of transformative learning and related triggers. After the qualitative analysis, 386 instances of transformative learning were found, divided among three elements of transformative learning: Critical Self Reflection, Reflective Dialogue and Reflective Action. Four categories of triggers were found: (1) internal VentureLabTwente related triggers, which are related to the incubator program in which the entrepreneurs participated; (2) external business related triggers, for example industrial partners or investors; (3) the triggers that are related to their internal business environment, i.e. colleagues or product developments and (4) non business related triggers, for example family or health. A chi square analysis has been performed to investigate the relationship between the element of transformative learning and found trigger(s) The results show that the best way to stimulate Critical Self Reflection, is to make use of Non business related environment triggers, while the optimal way to stimulate Reflective Dialogue is to make use of the Internal VLT environment triggers. Furthermore, the best way to stimulate Reflective Action is to make use of the Internal business related triggers in encouraging actions that are executed within the venture of the entrepreneur.