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Tech-entrepreneurs’ psychological contracts with their institutional environment: Insights from Sweden

Author

Listed:
  • Constanze Eib

    (Department of Management and Organization, Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Sweden)

  • Linda Weidenstedt

    (The Ratio Institute, Sweden; Department of Sociology, Stockholm University, Sweden)

Abstract

This qualitative interview study examines how high-tech entrepreneurs in Sweden ( N = 11) perceive their contextual prerequisites and the expectations they hold towards their broader social and institutional environment. Findings from a thematic analysis reveal that participants have implicit expectations towards society and the state that are not being met, leading to frustrations, perceptions of unfairness, and cynicism. Through the lens of psychological contract theory, we demonstrate how the contextual framework shapes expectations and experiences of entrepreneurs, contributing to both psychological contract theory and to the contextualization of entrepreneurship.

Suggested Citation

  • Constanze Eib & Linda Weidenstedt, 2025. "Tech-entrepreneurs’ psychological contracts with their institutional environment: Insights from Sweden," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 46(3), pages 786-808, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:46:y:2025:i:3:p:786-808
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X251339070
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    References listed on IDEAS

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