There is no universally cited author or exact year this classification was introduced, but it is widely used in entrepreneurship development programs, management training, and soft skill assessments — particularly in India and some Commonwealth countries.
🔹 What It Represents:
This classification is based on two core dimensions:
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Ability to Do – Refers to the entrepreneur’s skills, knowledge, and competence.
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Will to Do – Refers to the entrepreneur’s motivation, drive, and willingness to take initiative.
These two axes form a 2×2 matrix, resulting in four types of entrepreneurs:
| Will to Do: High | Will to Do: Low | |
|---|---|---|
| Ability: High | Star / Ideal | May Run |
| Ability: Low | Passenger | Deadwood |
✅ a. Passenger → iv. No ability to do and will to do
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Explanation: The “Passenger” is someone who wants to do something (will) but lacks the skills or ability to take effective action.
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They are motivated but often need training, mentoring, or support.
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They tend to go along for the ride but don’t lead.
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Example: A person passionate about starting a business but lacking basic business knowledge.
✅ b. Star / Ideal → iii. Ability to do and will to do
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Explanation: The “Star” or “Ideal” entrepreneur is the model entrepreneur.
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They have the ability (skills, knowledge, innovation, leadership) and the motivation to act and succeed.
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These are the top performers and often lead successful ventures.
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Example: A skilled and passionate entrepreneur who builds a scalable startup.
✅ c. Deadwood → ii. No ability to do and no will to do
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Explanation: “Deadwood” refers to individuals who are neither capable nor motivated.
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They may be in the system (perhaps due to inheritance or formality) but contribute nothing.
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They are unproductive and stagnant.
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Example: An uninterested family member running a business poorly without any desire to improve.
✅ d. May run → i. Ability to do and no will to do
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Explanation: “May run” entrepreneurs have the potential (skills and knowledge), but lack the motivation to take action or drive the business.
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They may succeed if pushed or if external factors change their motivation.
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Often found in people who have technical skills but aren’t interested in taking initiative.
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Example: A trained engineer with entrepreneurial potential but no drive to launch a venture.