The evolution of founder identity as an authenticity work process

The Identity of Entrepreneurs: Providing Conceptual Clarity and Future Directions

“…Accordingly, some scholars describe personal identity as ‘fundamental beliefs and values [entrepreneurs] hold across situations’ (O'Neil et al . 2020: 1) – assuming a coherent set of values across their work and private life. At the same time, prior research has also shown potential conflict and/or compartmentalization between an individual's personal and professional identities (e.g.…”

“…2017; O'Neil et al . 2020). For instance, one study outlines identity configurations of entrepreneurs that encompass both role and personal identities associated with commercial logic (e.g.…”

“…A recent study by O'Neil et al . (2020) offers a great starting point for better exploring the evolution of founder identity over time, pointing to the relevance of personal identity in deriving authenticity for first‐time founders. To do so, scholars may draw on both qualitative approaches, such as narrative analysis to investigate an entrepreneur's life stories over time, as well as quantitative survey tools used for repeated measuring at different points in time (e.g.…”

Exploring founder identity tension, resolution, and venture pursuit

“…This body of work suggests that competing logics may be inherent within creative pursuits and commercial imperatives (Coulson, 2012;Eikhof & Haunschild, 2007;Gotsi et al, 2010). This can result in founders experiencing tension due to external feedback not aligning with their self-perceptions (Conger et al, 2018;O'Neil et al, 2020).…”

“…This perspective views multiple identity lenses (role identity, social identity) as threads that are woven together through working on the self. In adopting this approach we assume that venture development is shaped by the ongoing work individuals do to construct coherent identities in entrepreneurship (Anderson et al, 2019;O'Neil et al, 2020). Self-coherence refers to a relatively stable and secure sense of self that individuals strive for to reduce tension and promote psychological well-being (Amiot et al, 2007;Ashforth & Schinoff, 2016).…”