Entrepreneurs have what it takes: positively-distinct entrepreneurial social identity as realized during intra- and intergroup conversations
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
ISSN: 1355-2554
Article publication date: 5 December 2022
Issue publication date: 9 February 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores aspects of entrepreneurial social identity that are made salient in communication, and that are related to positive group distinctiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs a thematic analysis methodology, and the analysis is sensitized by social identity theory and related concepts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 43 entrepreneurs in several US cities. The women and men discussed the nature of their entrepreneurial identities, and the relationship of past intra- and intergroup conversations to their realizations of a positively-distinct entrepreneurial identity. Open and axial coding of the entrepreneurs' verbal conversational content was conducted.
Findings
The analyses revealed four themes (and nine accompanying sub-themes) that represented dimensions of entrepreneurial social identity that were related to positive group distinctiveness.
Practical implications
Findings may prove useful for mutual understanding among current and aspiring entrepreneurs, and for educators and managers with an interest in encouraging entrepreneurial mindsets through training program development.
Originality/value
This study is unique not only in its adoption of an intergroup comparison approach to entrepreneurship that integrates recalled past communication, but also in its focus on positive in-group distinctiveness. The desire for this psychological state may be one motivating force guiding the content of entrepreneurial identity, and it may, for some individuals, be one factor that drives the pursuit of entrepreneurship itself. This study offers themes that break new ground in illuminating dimensions derived from recalled conversational content that entrepreneurs considered key to positive identity salience.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author wishes to thank the editors and referees for the insights and support.
Citation
Hajek, C. (2023), "Entrepreneurs have what it takes: positively-distinct entrepreneurial social identity as realized during intra- and intergroup conversations", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 29 No. 2, pp. 459-476. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-09-2021-0685
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited