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An exploration of entrepreneurs' identities and business growth

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  • Ekinci, Yuksel
  • Gordon-Wilson, Sianne
  • Slade, Adrian

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Ekinci, Yuksel & Gordon-Wilson, Sianne & Slade, Adrian, 2020. "An exploration of entrepreneurs' identities and business growth," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 63(3), pages 391-401.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bushor:v:63:y:2020:i:3:p:391-401
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bushor.2020.02.003
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    2. Vilay Saythongkeo & Vinh D. Le & Lobel Trong Thuy Tran, 2022. "Leadership Styles and Innovation Performance: The Role of Coopetition Capability and In-Learning in Financial Service Firms," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(2), pages 21582440221, May.
    3. Alina Iuliana Tăbîrcă & Oana Raluca Ivan, 2020. "Relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility and Entrepreneurship - Evidence from Romanian Entrepreneurs," Book chapters-LUMEN Proceedings, in: Marcin Waldemar STANIEWSKI & Valentina VASILE & Adriana Grigorescu (ed.), International Conference Innovative Business Management & Global Entrepreneurship (IBMAGE 2020), edition 1, volume 14, chapter 44, pages 611-626, Editura Lumen.
    4. Marvin Henry & Thijs Hoogenstrijd & Julian Kirchherr, 2023. "Motivations and identities of “grassroots” circular entrepreneurs: An initial exploration," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(3), pages 1122-1141, March.

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