An exploration of entrepreneurs' identities and business growth

Yuksel Ekinci, Sianne Gordon-Wilson and Adrian Slade

Business Horizons, 2020, vol. 63, issue 3, 391-401

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine whether certain types of identities are more likely than others to be present before and during business growth. We collect data from six entrepreneurs and adopt an interpretivist approach, using Van Gennep's theory of transitions, to explore the challenges faced by entrepreneurs after startup and during business growth. We find that business growth challenges entrepreneurs' identities as they aspire to achieve their personal goals and reach self-fulfillment. These identities consist of entrepreneurial, manager, personal, and social identities, and each has distinct roles within the business. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings for entrepreneurs and policy makers. We recommend that entrepreneurs receive a combination of personal and business support, especially during more uncertain, high-pressure, and complex times.

Keywords: Entrepreneurs; Business growth; Identity theory; Identity transitions; Entrepreneurial mindset; Startup life cycle; Theory of transitions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:bushor:v:63:y:2020:i:3:p:391-401

DOI: 10.1016/j.bushor.2020.02.003

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