From lifelong learning to later life self-employment: a conceptual framework and an Israeli enterprise perspective
Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy
ISSN: 1750-6204
Article publication date: 5 July 2021
Issue publication date: 29 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight important aspects of adopting a lifelong learning mindset as a way to improve entrepreneurial employability and self-employment capabilities among older workers, and to examine their practicality in enterprise services.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper takes a two-method research approach that synthesizes an original conceptual framework based on current gerontological and work psychology literature with qualitative organizational case study in the Israeli labor market.
Findings
The process of lifelong learning and accumulation of employability underpins a fulfilling career in self-employment later in life, through continuous self-acquisition of necessary knowledge and complementary skills. Adopting a lifelong learning mindset may contribute to older workers developing lifelong employability by self-realizing their meaningful life wisdom alongside becoming lifelong learners, and consequently, by becoming protean career owners capable of acquiring entrepreneurial competencies and skills. Program analysis of social and business enterprises established in Israel to meet the demand for the acquisition of later life skills demonstrates the various ways in which they play a role in supporting this process.
Research limitations/implications
The need for future research and practice on the conceptual framework presented in this paper is analyzed and discussed in the Israeli context.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the ongoing discussion on third-age entrepreneurship, by conceptually linking the core concept of lifelong learning to entrepreneurial employability, and demonstrating its application in the Israeli work culture.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank Professor Jacquelyn B. James, Director of the Sloan Research Network on Aging and Work, for conducting the collaborative framework that led to the writing of this article; Dr Zvi Lanir for his wise advise and inspiration; and to executives of third-age enterprises for sharing their knowledge: Nitzanit Dembitz, Head of Independents Domain, JDC Israel; Tali Bender, Co-CEO, A New Beginning; Efrat David-Sasson, Manager of the Hub for Senior Entrepreneurs; Udi Keshet, Founder, Gray-Haired Club; and Alex Kaplun, Co-founder and CEO, Futuring Up.
Citation
Eppler-Hattab, R. (2022), "From lifelong learning to later life self-employment: a conceptual framework and an Israeli enterprise perspective", Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, Vol. 16 No. 6, pp. 948-966. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEC-01-2021-0014
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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