Intrapreneurship is a key concept in today’s dynamic business environment. It’s about employees who take on entrepreneurial roles within an organization, using existing resources to innovate, drive growth, and improve processes without the risks of starting a new business.
For AS Level students, understanding intrapreneurship can deepen their grasp of business innovation, risk management, and leadership—topics central to the AS Level Business curriculum.
In this post we are looking at how to teach the role of intrapreneurship in the ongoing success of a business.
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Intrapreneurship vs. Entrepreneurship
It’s essential for students to distinguish between entrepreneurs, who start their own businesses, and intrapreneurs, who innovate within an existing company. Intrapreneurs work inside a structured environment but take initiative, identify opportunities, and introduce innovative ideas that add value to the organization. This concept aligns with syllabus areas such as business growth, organizational structure, and leadership styles.
Use this distinction to lead a discussion on the role of innovation in both types of business models. Ask students to debate which approach—entrepreneurship or intrapreneurship—would be more effective in different types of industries (e.g., tech startups vs. large corporations).
A Real-World Case Study: 3M and the Creation of Post-it Notes
3M’s creation of Post-it Notes is a classic example of intrapreneurship. Dr. Spencer Silver, a scientist at 3M, developed a low-tack adhesive that was initially deemed useless. However, his colleague, Art Fry, saw an opportunity and used it to create a sticky bookmark for his hymnal, which eventually evolved into Post-it Notes.
This innovation came from within the company, using its existing resources, and is now one of 3M’s most iconic products.
Present the 3M Post-it case study and have students conduct a SWOT analysis of the innovation process within 3M. Ask them to identify the internal strengths and weaknesses of intrapreneurship in this example, as well as the external opportunities and threats faced by the company in commercializing the product.
Nurturing Intrapreneurship in Business
For organizations, fostering intrapreneurship can lead to innovation, improved processes, and staying competitive in fast-changing markets. Companies like Google and 3M create environments where employees feel empowered to experiment, fail, and innovate.
For AS Level Business students, this also ties into topics like leadership styles, employee motivation, and organizational culture.
You might want to discuss leadership styles that foster intrapreneurship, such as democratic or laissez-faire leadership, where employees are given more autonomy to innovate.
Ask students to assess how a company’s leadership style can impact its innovation capacity.
The Importance of Innovation in Business
Innovation is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. Intrapreneurship allows businesses to innovate internally, improving efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, and differentiating themselves in the market.
In AS Level Business, this concept links to competitive advantage and business growth strategies.
We suggest Having students brainstorm how intrapreneurs in various sectors—such as retail, technology, or manufacturing—might identify opportunities for innovation.
Then ask them to create short presentations on how their innovations could enhance efficiency or customer satisfaction within an organization.
Assessing Intrapreneurial Skills
Intrapreneurial skills such as opportunity recognition, risk management, and collaboration are critical in the business world.
AS Level Business teachers can incorporate these into assessments by asking students to analyze real-world business cases or create innovative solutions to current business challenges.
Assessment Idea: Present students with a case study (e.g., 3M, Google) and ask them to propose an innovation within that organization. Have them explain the potential risks, benefits, and strategies for implementation.
This type of assessment focuses on risk-taking, problem-solving, and strategic thinking—skills emphasized in the AS Level Business curriculum.
Interactive Classroom Activities
To ensure students understand the role of intrapreneurship in business, practical activities can be invaluable.
- SWOT Analysis Exercise: Use the 3M Post-it Notes case to conduct a SWOT analysis focused on innovation. This reinforces critical thinking and helps students understand the internal and external factors affecting business decisions.
- Business Plan Creation: Assign students to develop a business plan for an intrapreneurial idea within a large company. They should focus on market research, financial forecasting, and risk assessment—key areas of the AS Level Business syllabus.
- Shark Tank Pitch Session: Organize a session where students pitch their intrapreneurial ideas to a panel. Have them focus on the risks and benefits of their ideas, linking back to risk management topics in the syllabus.
Final Thoughts on Teaching Intrapreneurship for Business Success
Incorporating intrapreneurship into your AS Level Business teaching not only aligns with syllabus objectives but also provides students with real-world skills in innovation, risk-taking, and strategic planning.
By using real-world case studies, interactive activities, and targeted assessments, you can foster an entrepreneurial mindset in your students, preparing them to navigate the challenges of today’s business world.
Encourage your students to think critically, collaborate, and take calculated risks—just like the intrapreneurs driving innovation in companies worldwide.
And you can always make your life even more simple by getting some proven quality teaching materials ready for use.