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Trying to Serve Two Masters is Easy, Compared to Three: Identity Multiplicity Work by Christian Impact Investors

Author

Listed:
  • Brett R. Smith

    (Miami University)

  • Amanda Lawson

    (Miami University)

  • Jessica Jones

    (University of Tennessee)

  • Tim Holcomb

    (Miami University)

  • Aimee Minnich

    (Impact Foundation)

Abstract

While research has focused on financial and social goals in impact investing, we add to the limited research that focuses on how individuals manage identity multiplicity, defined as three or more role identities. Based on our qualitative study of Christian impact investors, we develop a model of identity multiplicity work, explaining how individuals manage their multiple role identities (financial, social, and religious) to reduce identity tensions during the process of impact investing. We find individuals engaged in an interactive, ongoing three-step process of identity multiplicity work: prioritizing one of their salient identities, managing their identity multiplicity interrelationships, and reinforcing their prioritized identity. Investors generally prioritized an identity that was neither financial nor social, but rather religious. We also find this identity work implemented through three novel mechanisms: shadowing, one identity casts a shadow over another thereby enabling the simultaneous pursuit of related goals; distinguishing, all identities are retained and at least a minimum threshold of role expectations are met; and surrendering, partial sacrificing of goals of one (or more) identity in favor of another identity based on an individual’s self-reflective importance of the role. Our findings offer new insights to multiple identities, impact investing and business ethics literatures.

Suggested Citation

  • Brett R. Smith & Amanda Lawson & Jessica Jones & Tim Holcomb & Aimee Minnich, 2022. "Trying to Serve Two Masters is Easy, Compared to Three: Identity Multiplicity Work by Christian Impact Investors," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 179(4), pages 1053-1070, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:179:y:2022:i:4:d:10.1007_s10551-022-05156-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-022-05156-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Syrus M. Islam & Asheq Rahman, 2023. "Impact investment deal flow and Sustainable Development Goals: “Mind the gap?”," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 63(4), pages 3797-3813, December.
    2. Kai Hockerts & Lisa Hehenberger & Stefan Schaltegger & Vanina Farber, 2022. "Defining and Conceptualizing Impact Investing: Attractive Nuisance or Catalyst?," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 179(4), pages 937-950, September.
    3. Brett Smith & Amanda Lawson & Saulo Dubard-Barbosa & Jessica Jones, 2023. "Navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurial identity threats to persist : The countervailing force of a relational identity with God," Post-Print hal-04325701, HAL.
    4. Smith, Brett R. & Lawson, Amanda & Dubard Barbosa, Saulo & Jones, Jessica, 2023. "Navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurial identity threats to persist: The countervailing force of a relational identity with God," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 38(4).

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