Embodying entrepreneurial identity

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel conception of embodied entrepreneurial identity. Prior studies conceptualise identity primarily in terms of narrative or discourse. Critiquing the limited focus on linguistic practices, the authors build on the literature by highlighting the role of the non-linguistic. The implications for researching one particular group – entrepreneurs with impairments – are considered. Design/methodology/approach – Entrepreneurial identity is conceptualised as a unique constellation of concerns emergent from the embodied practices of agents committed to new venture creation and management. This new conception draws principally on the embodiment literature, Archer's identity framework and Goffman's ideas on the presentation of self, impression management and stigma. Findings – The entrepreneurial identity literature is underpinned by a number of problematic assumptions that limit understanding of the meaning, formation and influence of identity on action. The body is often an absent presence; it is presupposed, implicit or under-theorised as an influence on identity, producing a disembodied notion of the entrepreneur. Consequently, entrepreneurs are treated as an homogeneous group in terms of the embodied properties and powers, rather than as uniquely embodied individuals. Studies typically assume an able-bodied, as opposed to a differently abled, agent. Entrepreneurs with impairments are largely invisible in the literature as a result. Originality/value – The approach highlights the role of the body and embodied non-linguistic practices, such as movement, posture, gestures and facial expressions in the formation of identity. Recognising entrepreneurs as differently abled agents, possessing particular embodied properties and powers, is crucial for understanding identity and action.

Identity, Enactment, and Entrepreneurship Engagement in a Declining Place

“…Entrepreneurial self‐identity is performatively produced, whereas social identity is allocated by others. The issue surfaces because agents cannot simply describe themselves as entrepreneurs and expect to have their narratives accepted by important others (Kašperová and Kitching ). Hence the local, contextual acceptance or denial, the legitimacy, of an entrepreneurial identity to practice entrepreneurship and change (Anderson and Warren ) is the nub of our research problem.…”

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

“…Rather than externally evaluating entrepreneurs and their characteristics, research on entrepreneurial identities focuses on how individuals come to see and understand themselves as entrepreneurs. On one end of the spectrum, the social constructivist view of identities understands them as emergent and fluid, a process of becoming, and often rely on a narrative or discursively constructed view on identities (Hytti 2005;Lindgren 2000;Wåhlin 1999;Johansson 2004;Jones, Latham, and Betta 2008;Watson 2009;Down 2006;Down and Warren 2008;Kasperova and Kitching 2014;Warren 2004;Steyaert 2007). On the other end, identity theories rely on a more realistic and positivistic view of identity.…”

Navigating the family business: A gendered analysis of identity construction of daughters

“…We rely on the social constructivist view of identities, understanding them as emergent and fluid and as a process of becoming (Down, 2006;Down and Warren, 2008;Hytti, 2005;Kasperova and Kitching, 2014;Watson, 2009;Warren, 2004). Within this view, identities can overlap, enrich one another, and be in conflict (Chasserio, Pailot and Poroli , 2014;Down and Warren, 2008;Benschop, 2007, 2009;Hytti, 2005).…”