Operators and visionaries: differences in the entrepreneurial and managerial systems of two types of entrepreneurs

Following an empirical study of the managerial systems of 116 entrepreneurs, the subjects were divided into two types. A total of 42 were classified as operators and the remaining 74 as visionaries. The managerial systems of all the sample entrepreneurs were analysed using Filion's empirical systems modelling methodology with consideration for Fayol's management key basic elements: planning, organising, commanding and controlling. Each of the two types had its own activity system. For the operators, the activities were selecting, performing, assigning, allocating, monitoring and adjusting. For the visionaries, they were visioning, designing, animating, monitoring and learning.