Active learning ideas
Intrapreneurship is the practice of entrepreneurial behaviour within an established large organisation. This topic is increasingly relevant as Indian corporations like Tata, Reliance, and Infosys look for ways to stay innovative. Students learn that they don't always have to start their own company to be 'entrepreneurial'; they can use the resources of a large firm to launch new products or services.
Activity 01
Divide the class to debate: 'Is it better to be an intrapreneur with a guaranteed salary or an entrepreneur with total freedom?' Students must use arguments related to risk, reward, and resource access.
What is an intrapreneur?
Activity 02
Groups research a product that was created inside a large company (like Gmail at Google or the Nano car at Tata). They identify the 'intrapreneur' behind it and the challenges they faced within the corporate structure.
How does intrapreneurship differ from entrepreneurship?
Activity 03
Students imagine they are 'intrapreneurs' within their school. They think of one new service or facility they could start using school resources and share how they would pitch it to the Principal.
Why do large corporations encourage intrapreneurial behavior?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
An intrapreneur is just a fancy name for a manager.
A manager follows existing rules to maintain the status quo, while an intrapreneur actively tries to change or add something new. Collaborative investigations help students see the 'disruptive' nature of intrapreneurship.
Intrapreneurs take no risk because they have a salary.
They take significant 'career risk' and reputational risk. If their project fails, it could impact their standing in the company. Structured debates help students understand these subtle forms of risk.
Methods used in this brief
Types of Entrepreneurs
Categorizes entrepreneurs based on the type of business, use of technology, and motivation. Students will study examples of innovative, imitating, Fabian, and drone entrepreneurs.
8 methodologies
Competencies of an Entrepreneur
Identifies the core traits, skills, and values required to be a successful entrepreneur. Focuses on leadership, risk-taking, and decision-making abilities.
8 methodologies