Entrepreneurial traits: Open culture

Open culture is defined according to which knowledge should be spread freely and its growth should come from developing, altering or enriching already existing works on the basis of sharing and collaboration, without being restricted by rules linked to the legal protection of intellectual property. A open culture person can be more engaged, happier, more creative and contribute more hardwork on their jobs. This entrepreneurial trait enables an entrepreneur much more fun to work in and productive (Centre international d’art contemporain de Montréal, n.d.).

For example, John Thompson, Chairman of Timpson Shoe Repairs, believes that being an open culture person can bring many benefit to the company and employees. John Thompson tries to meet as many colleagues as he can and encourage them to contact him without going through line management. This is because he want to be close with them and avoid those misunderstanding among them.

Michael Dell, the founder, chairman and CEO of Dell Inc. Is another open culture entrepreneur. He gives the opportunity for his employees to speak out. He listened to employee feedback and opinions. He also encourages all employees to perform at a high level to help Dell Inc. achieve its vision and goals. Employees responded well to Michael Dell’s hand-on leadership style, which has resulted in a hardworking and committed workforce (Gareth & Jennifer, 2012). Michael Dell believes that communication is an essential way to build trust and motivate employees. He spends most time in communicating to his managers and employees.

Jack Ma also known as Ma Yun, is the co-founder of Alibaba, the largest e-commerce company in China. As an open culture entrepreneur, Ma has built a culture of participation, inclusion and fun. Ma spent years studying Western culture, management concepts and successful businesses, took what he needed and left the rest. He combined that with his love and understanding of China's culture and consumption habits to create an all-encompassing technology success that is positioned to become the first truly global Chinese brand. Ma has proved through his unique management style for Alibaba that East and West can meet and when they do something beautiful can come of it (Michael, 2014).