Enterprising talk: a case of self construction

Abstract

Purpose -This paper presents a case study that explores the experiences and sensemaking of a new start entrepreneur in New Zealand. The primary aim of the case was to theorise new entrepreneurs' sensemaking about risk in order to provide a framework for further study. Design/methodology/approach -Data for the case were gathered using a semi-structured interview technique. These data were then coded and analysed using an approach inspired by grounded theory. As the purpose was to examine both what the subject said about her entrepreneurial experience and the conceptual frameworks she drew upon to do this, the analysis integrated techniques employed in discourse analysis and educational psychology. Findings -The analysis produced a theoretical model that suggests the entrepreneur's perceptions of self shaped the perception of risk and then structured the way in which risks were addressed or avoided.Practical implications -This case and the questions that the theoretical model raises have significant implications for entrepreneurs, policy makers and educators. We expect the lines of enquiry suggested by this case will provide a framework for further research on new start entrepreneurs' sensemaking and in so doing help address the dearth of knowledge about New Zealand's new start entrepreneurs' behaviour, particularly in relation to risk assessment. Originality/value -The case draws attention to the interplay between identity and new start entrepreneurial behaviour and in so doing challenges us to look at new start behaviour in a new way. It raises questions about the centrality of the notion of risk in new start entrepreneurs' rationales for the enterprise development decisions they make.

Making Sense of Ecopreneurs' Decisions to Sell Up

“…In keeping with an inductive approach to theory generation and our social constructivist stance, we opted to present the Phoenix Organic case study through two enterprise development narratives. Mills and Pawson () and Jones et al () present enterprise development narratives from the perspective of a single entrepreneur, but not specifically from the point of view of an ecopreneur, as ours does. Our reason for adopting this approach is that there are likely to be several reasons behind the founding ecopreneur's decision to sell such a business, particularly after 20 years at the helm.…”

Well-trodden highways and roads less traveled: Entrepreneurial-oriented behavior and identity construction in international entrepreneurship narratives

“…Overall, there is a well-theorized and thoroughly analyzed link between the construction of identity (Bruner 1995;Riessman 1993) and the mental representations of individuals structured in terms of narratives (Polkinghorne 1988). Of particular relevance for this study is the recognition of narrative as fundamental in the formation of entrepreneurial identity (Jones et al 2008;Mills and Pawson 2006;Nielsen and Lassen 2012;Yitshaki and Kropp 2016).…”

From “great expectations” to “hard times”

“…For instance, they might experience shifts of identity (Mills and Pawson, 2006), entrepreneurial learning (Rae, 2004a), diverse sources of income (Ball, et al, 2010a), and a tension between their desire to be creative and to be business-like (Mills, 2008). Nabi et al (2006, p. 373) highlighted the 'lack of in-depth research into the stories, circumstances, context and complexities of graduates on the journey from student to startup'.…”