General Enterprising Tendencies amongst Grade Ten Learners of Limpopo Province, Capricorn District Municipality

Abstract

This study sought to assess the general enterprising qualities such as need for achievement, need for autonomy, creative tendency, calculated risk taking as well as drive and determination amongst learners at selected secondary schools in the Capricorn District Municipality (CDM), Limpopo Province of South Africa. The intention was to suggest strategies to be used to enhance entrepreneurial qualities and to develop these learners to become successful entrepreneurs. The population of the study consisted of 6 214 grade ten learners doing commercial subjects and those not doing commercial subjects, from randomly selected circuits, in CDM. In total, 1931 respondents, which constituted 31% of the population, were sampled and participated in the research study. The findings revealed that the majority of the learners did not possess entrepreneurial qualities. The results obtained from learners who participated in the study, displayed ability for need for achievement and calculated risk taking. However, their performances in other categories were below 50% which is a clear indication of a lack of ability in respects of: need for autonomy; creative tendency as well as drive and determination. This study unveil the entrepreneurial qualities of learners in secondary schools and particularly focuses on grade ten learners, because they are at secondary school level where they have to select subjects of their choice which could affect their future education and development. Furthermore, grade ten learners were selected, because they are less explored in a South African context.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p184