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Entrepreneurs’ social identity and the preference of causal and effectual behaviours in start-up processes

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  • Gry Agnete Alsos
  • Tommy Høyvarde Clausen
  • Ulla Hytti
  • Sølvi Solvoll

Abstract

This paper examines how the social identity of an entrepreneur influences his or her behaviour when engaged in new venture formation. Building on the typology of entrepreneurial identities developed by Fauchart and Gruber, this study examines the relationship between the social identity of the entrepreneur and subsequent entrepreneurial behaviour using a mixed-method approach. Based on interviews with entrepreneurs in six start-ups within the tourism sector and on previous literature, three hypotheses were developed regarding the relationship between entrepreneurial identity and entrepreneurial behaviour (causation, effectuation). Subsequently, the hypotheses were tested using a survey among a sample of entrepreneurs who registered a new firm in 2013. The study finds that the entrepreneurial identity influences whether the individual predominantly engages in effectual or causal behaviour. Hence, the study contributes by focusing on entrepreneurial identity as an important factor shaping the behaviours of entrepreneurs. In addition, we add to the understanding of entrepreneurs as a heterogeneous group. Entrepreneurs vary in terms of their identity, and this variation has consequences for their entrepreneurial behaviour. Finally, by adopting a mixed-method approach, this study benefits from and contributes to the interaction of qualitative and quantitative data in entrepreneurship research.

Suggested Citation

  • Gry Agnete Alsos & Tommy Høyvarde Clausen & Ulla Hytti & Sølvi Solvoll, 2016. "Entrepreneurs’ social identity and the preference of causal and effectual behaviours in start-up processes," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(3-4), pages 234-258, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:entreg:v:28:y:2016:i:3-4:p:234-258
    DOI: 10.1080/08985626.2016.1155742
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    Cited by:

    1. Clarysse, Bart & Andries, Petra & Boone, Sarah & Roelandt, Jolien, 2023. "Institutional logics and founders' identity orientation: Why academic entrepreneurs aspire lower venture growth," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(3).
    2. Eric Boyd, D. & Keith Harrison, C. & McInerny, Haley, 2021. "Transitioning from athlete to entrepreneur: An entrepreneurial identity perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 479-487.
    3. Aude d'Andria & Ines Gabarret & Benjamin Vedel, 2018. "Resilience and effectuation for a successful business takeover," Post-Print hal-01898953, HAL.
    4. Bonnet, Christophe & Capizzi, Vincenzo & Cohen, Laurence & Petit, Aurelien & Wirtz, Peter, 2022. "What drives the active involvement in business angel groups? The role of angels' decision-making style, investment-specific human capital and motivations," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    5. Michael A. Abebe & Yamlaksira S. Getachew & Sarah Kimakwa, 2022. "Entrepreneurs’ Ethnic and Political Identity Alignment as Determinants of Access to Government Support in Africa: A Conceptual Framework," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 46(2), pages 449-476, March.
    6. Teyi, Shelter Selorm & Larsen, Marcus M. & Namatovu, Rebecca, 2023. "Entrepreneurial identity and response strategies in the informal economy," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 165(C).
    7. Evers, Natasha & Andersson, Svante, 2021. "Predictive and effectual decision-making in high-tech international new ventures – A matter of sequential ambidexterity," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(1).
    8. Yu-Te Liu, 2019. "Exploring the role of original aspiration in effectuation tendency," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 15(3), pages 977-1016, September.
    9. Demetris Vrontis & Ranjan Chaudhuri & Sheshadri Chatterjee, 2022. "Adoption of Digital Technologies by SMEs for Sustainability and Value Creation: Moderating Role of Entrepreneurial Orientation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-19, June.
    10. Carlos Poblete & Felipe Rifo & Joana Huaman, 2021. "The Role of Circular Business Modeling in the Entrepreneurial Identity-Construction Process," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-25, December.
    11. Hangyu Shi & Hongtao Yang, 2024. "Career Booster or Dead End? The Double-Edged Sword Effects of Entrepreneurial Fear of Failure on Entrepreneurial Exit Intentions in the Process of Sustainable Entrepreneurship," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-16, October.
    12. Koller, Sonia & Stephan, Ute & Ahmetoglu, Gorkan, 2022. "Ecological rationality and entrepreneurship: How entrepreneurs fit decision logics to decision content and structure," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 37(4).
    13. Villani, Elisa & Linder, Christian & Grimaldi, Rosa, 2018. "Effectuation and causation in science-based new venture creation: A configurational approach," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 173-185.
    14. Hand, Chris & Iskandarova, Marfuga & Blackburn, Robert, 2020. "Founders’ social identity and entrepreneurial self-efficacy amongst nascent entrepreneurs: A configurational perspective," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 13(C).
    15. Hans Vanoorbeek & Laura Lecluyse, 2021. "How Social Identity Affects Entrepreneurs’ Desire for Control," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-13, December.
    16. Hermundsdottir, Fanny & Haneberg, Dag Håkon & Aspelund, Arild, 2022. "Analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on environmental innovations in manufacturing firms," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    17. Xu, Jing & Dai, Yijia, 2024. "Are academic spin-offs more socially responsible? The influence of origin on entrepreneurial behaviors," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).

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