PurposeThis paper aims to present typologies of entrepreneurs using entrepreneurs' engagement and use of social media (SM) for business purposes as a means of categorisation. Based on this categorisation, four types of entrepreneurs are proposed: the hopefuls, the assureds, the opportunists and the passengers. The emergent typology should serve as the basis for further thought and empiricism.Design/methodology/approachA two-phase quantitative opportunistic sampling approach was employed. First, entrepreneurial experts' (n = 8) structured interviews informed the survey design. Secondly, an online survey, based on theory of planned behaviour (TPB), was completed with entrepreneurs at business incubation centres (BICs) in Ireland. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified a number of entrepreneur typologies using participants' (n = 124) business-related SM activities. Differences in entrepreneurial types were explained using the TPB, trust, security and demographic variables.FindingsResults indicate that there are four distinct types of entrepreneurs based on their business-related SM activities. Once the typology was created, comparisons were conducted between each type based on the psychological drivers of the TPB. Trend differences were identified between the distinct typologies.Originality/valueThe value of this research is that the research proposes a typology of entrepreneurs categorised based on SM engagement and use. The typology can be used to identify and compare the differences between entrepreneurs based on perceptions regarding SM, abilities related to SM and the support entrepreneurs need in relation to this. This research is novel in that the research addresses calls to segment the increasingly diverse and complex entrepreneurial population using the pillars of social and digital technology as a focus. The research also provides a framework for examination and replication in other geographic and entrepreneurial settings.

PurposeThis research aims to better understand the Zillennial Generation within the workplace, specifically using the perspectives of Business Stakeholders within the context of Northern Ireland. Understanding the perceptions of Zillennials in the workplace is important due to their growing numbers and subsequent impact on the future of work.Design/Methodology/ApproachA case study approach is used to gain a deeper understanding of stakeholder opinions and experiences of Zillennials. The authors draw on extant research and use semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences and views of stakeholders within three case firms employing Zillennials.FindingsThe study concludes that discrepancies can be seen between Zillennial performance and behaviour, compared with Business Stakeholder workplace expectations. Findings suggest that according to Business Stakeholders observations, Zillennials display some, but not all, attributes of Generation Z and Millennials. Business Stakeholders observations also reveal that Zillennials demonstrate some, but not all, entrepreneurial behaviours and competencies.Originality/ValueWhile many studies focus on both Generation Z and Millennials, research focused on unique cusp generations is limited. No research has been conducted that investigates the perception of Zillennials within the context of Northern Ireland.

No abstract