Cultivating Character Values Through Entrepreneurial Activities Members of the Indonesian Institute of Education Garut Student Cooperative

The cultivation of character values in individuals is of paramount importance, as it instills a sense of responsibility within each person. This process of character development can be effectively nurtured through educational organizations, including cooperative organizations designed for their members. Character, as a set of values and traits, is most effectively formed through consistent and repeated practice until it becomes ingrained as a habit. These character attributes serve as essential assets in the development of an entrepreneurial mindset. This study endeavors to explore the cultivation of character values in the context of entrepreneurial activities within student cooperatives operating within Indonesian educational institutions. The research methodology employed here is qualitative and descriptive, utilizing a phenomenological approach. Qualitative research methods, often referred to as naturalistic research methods, are particularly apt for investigating natural phenomena, wherein researchers serve as key instruments. The data collection process primarily relies on interviews, and the analysis approach is inductive, with an emphasis on deriving meaningful generalizations. The findings of this study reveal that the cultivation of entrepreneurial character values yields the following character traits, namely positive empowerment, self-control, leadership, independence, problem solving abilities, effective communication, creativity, strong work ethic, risk taking, patience, and diligence. In sum, this study highlights the importance of character development in the context of entrepreneurial activities within student cooperatives. The identified character values play a crucial role in shaping individuals into responsible and effective entrepreneur.