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“One tiny drop changes everything”: Constructing opportunity with words

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  • Liubertė, Irina
  • Dimov, Dimo

Abstract

This paper uses the theory of speech acts to explore how entrepreneurs use language to construct the opportunities they set out to pursue. We use the case of Theranos (a journey from inspiring vision to criminal infamy) as a natural setting that draws a sharp contrast between words as the content of speech (“opportunity”) and world as its object (opportunity). Our analysis of communication from the early days of the company highlights locutionary content (framing, filling, connecting, and committing), illocutionary force (statements, claims, feelings, attitudes, vows, pledges), and perlocutionary effects (agitate, inspire, envisage, mobilize, and reassure) as distinct aspects of opportunity construction.

Suggested Citation

  • Liubertė, Irina & Dimov, Dimo, 2021. "“One tiny drop changes everything”: Constructing opportunity with words," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 15(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:jobuve:v:15:y:2021:i:c:s2352673421000202
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbvi.2021.e00242
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Di Pietro, Francesca & Souitaris, Vangelis & Masciarelli, Francesca & Prencipe, Andrea, 2023. "Closeness of the future: Influence of language future-time reference on individual behaviour," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 19(C).
    2. Leong David, 2022. "Probabilistic Interpretation of Observer Effect on Entrepreneurial Opportunity," Organizacija, Sciendo, vol. 55(4), pages 243-258, November.
    3. Stroe, Silvia & Sirén, Charlotta & Parida, Vinit & Wincent, Joakim, 2022. "Framing ideas for new venture resources acquisition in crises: An fsQCA analysis," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 17(C).

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