The Schumpeterian and Universal Hero Myth in Stories of Irish Entrepreneurs.

Abstract

As part of a mapping of the current state of entrepreneurship in Ireland, this paper explores the presentation of three Irish entrepreneurial stories. It is argued that entrepreneurial stories reflect the universal hero myth and the Schumpeterian emphasis on the achievements of the individual entrepreneur. An analysis of the presentation of stories in the popular media of three successful and well-known Irish entrepreneurs suggests that the recurring themes of the universal hero myth are found in the stories of Irish entrepreneurs. However, it was established that while the stories of the entrepreneurs studied emphasised the achievements of the individual, in the sense of the Schumpeterian hero myth, it was complemented with an appreciation of the importance of teamwork for business success. The paper concludes by suggesting that policymakers can use the hero myth to encourage entrepreneurial activity, but in doing so they should emphasise the main character's ordinary background and how it could indeed be anyone.