OpenAIR@RGU The Open Access Institutional Repository at Robert Gordon University http://openair.rgu.ac.uk This is an author produced version of a paper published in Entrepreneurial learning: conceptual frameworks and applications. (ISBN 9780415394161) This version may not include final proof corrections and does not include published layout or pagination. Citation Details Citation for the version of the work held in ‘OpenAIR@RGU’: SMITH, R., 2008. Being differently abled: learning lessons from dyslexic entrepreneurs. Available from OpenAIR@RGU. [online]. Available from: http://openair.rgu.ac.uk Citation for the publisher’s version: SMITH, R., 2008. Being differently abled: learning lessons from dyslexic entrepreneurs. In: R. T. HARRISON and C. M. LEITCH, eds. Entrepreneurial learning: conceptual frameworks and applications. Abingdon: Routledge. Pp. 291-312 Copyright Items in ‘OpenAIR@RGU’, Robert Gordon University Open Access Institutional Repository, are protected by copyright and intellectual property law. If you believe that any material held in ‘OpenAIR@RGU’ infringes copyright, please contact
[email protected] with details. The item will be removed from the repository while the claim is investigated. BEING DIFFERENTLY ABLED: LEARNING LESSONS FROM DYSLEXIC ENTREPRENEURS. Robert Smith INTRODUCTION Learning plays a crucial part in the development of entrepreneurial propensity and is inextricably linked to communication. An appreciation of the role of communication in entrepreneurial studies is increasing, albeit slowly, and in particular the pervasiveness of entrepreneurial narrative as a learning mechanism. For example, our knowledge of entrepreneurship is often grounded in cherished stories. These stories are built around accepted myths. One such myth of the ‘poor-boy’ struggling to overcome communicational difficulties has long had anecdotal credence in entrepreneurial narrative.