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The evolution of founder identity as an authenticity work process

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  • O'Neil, Isobel
  • Ucbasaran, Deniz
  • York, Jeffrey G.

Abstract

Research has shown founders' identities have a significant impact on their ventures. Yet, the process through which founder identity evolves and takes shape remains relatively unexplained. This paper explores the evolution of founder identity through a qualitative study of first-time sustainable entrepreneurs, and their stakeholders, over a three years period. Our analysis revealed the importance of personal identity, the aspect of the self that defines a person as a unique individual based largely on values and beliefs. We found that first-time founders sought to align their personal identity with their evolving founder identity over time. Based on these findings we theorize a process model of founder authenticity work, defined as the activities founders engage in to feel and seem authentic while engaged in entrepreneurial action. This study thus details the significance of personal identity as a guidepost for founder identity evolution, complementing extant founder identity studies focused on role and social identities. In addition, our analysis enriches the current conceptualization of authenticity in entrepreneurship research by linking it to validation of personal identity and highlighting its negotiated nature in the evolution of authentic founder identities.

Suggested Citation

  • O'Neil, Isobel & Ucbasaran, Deniz & York, Jeffrey G., 2022. "The evolution of founder identity as an authenticity work process," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 37(1).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbvent:v:37:y:2022:i:1:s0883902619303209
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusvent.2020.106031
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    2. Jörn H. Block & Walter Diegel & Christian Fisch, 2024. "How venture capital funding changes an entrepreneur’s digital identity: more self-confidence and professionalism but less authenticity!," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 18(8), pages 2287-2319, August.
    3. Norin Arshed & Graeme Martin & Stephen Knox, 2023. "Ties That Bind or Blind? The Role of Identity and Place in Understanding Women Entrepreneurs’ Support Needs," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 47(6), pages 2205-2232, November.
    4. Boris N. Nikolaev & Michael P. Lerman & Christopher J. Boudreaux & Brandon A. Mueller, 2023. "Self-Employment and Eudaimonic Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Problem- and Emotion-Focused Coping," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 47(6), pages 2121-2154, November.
    5. Castelló, Itziar & Barberá-Tomás, David & Vaara, Eero, 2023. "Moving on: Narrative identity reconstruction after entrepreneurial failure," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 38(4).
    6. Meier, Olivier & Schier, Guillaume, 2022. "Lone founders, family founders, and corporate social responsibility," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 149-160.
    7. Mathias, Blake D. & Wang, Stephanie, 2023. "Not so silent partners: Exploring the interconnected roles of entrepreneurs and their spouses," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 38(4).
    8. Holger Patzelt & Dean A. Shepherd, 2024. "A fatigue model of social venturing," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 63(3), pages 1065-1088, October.
    9. John W. Schouten & Beth Leavenworth DuFault, 2022. "Social Enterprise as a Broker of Identity Resources," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-21, March.

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