Legitimizing entrepreneurial success in an environment of Tall Poppy syndrome: Lessons from celebrity entrepreneurs in New Zealand

Abstract

<jats:p> In this article, we examine the phenomenon of Tall Poppy syndrome (TPS) in relation to entrepreneurship in New Zealand. TPS is based on the concept that some peoples’ success elevates or distinguishes them from others, resulting in envy from others. TPS has been highlighted as an important element of New Zealand’s culture. This may clash with government initiatives, which often focus on building a high profile for aspirant entrepreneurs. In this article, we carry out a qualitative study into 11 such ‘celebrity’ entrepreneurs in New Zealand. The key question of our study is how being held up as a celebrity affects their practice. By introducing the celebrity element into our study, we contribute further understanding about the processes of social legitimacy for entrepreneurs. This has important implications for policy and practice, because if entrepreneurs are ‘allowed’ to be successful, this may encourage them to influence another generation of entrepreneurs to challenge TPS. </jats:p>

The critical role of assertiveness of women business owners in the link between firm performance and family instrumental support

“…In contrast, male leaders do not have boundaries regarding being simultaneously agentic and communal. It is also worth noting that higher levels of assertiveness on the part of women entrepreneurs, particularly in countries such as Denmark, may be judged by the involved actors through the lens of the 'Law of Jante' (janteloven) that discourages people in Nordic cultures from broadcasting their achievements (Kirkwood and Warren, 2020). The Law of Jante refers to a pattern of group behaviour towards individuals within Scandinavian communities that negatively portrays and criticises individual success and achievements as unworthy and inappropriate.…”

“…Another phenomenon related to Jante’s law is the tall poppy syndrome (TPS), according to which the success of some results in envy from others (Kirkwood, 2007; Kirkwood and Warren, 2020; Marques et al, 2022). TPS is often considered culturally specific to Australasia, but it has also been observed in Nordic countries (Kirkwood and Warren, 2020). We expect that TPS may not apply to immediate family members.…”

“…For instance, when family support is limited, women may restrict the scale and scope of their businesses. Additionally, women may be forced to downplay successes, or deliberately limit their entrepreneurial risk-taking and innovativeness to avoid unwanted attention (Kirkwood, 2007; Kirkwood and Warren, 2020).…”

Untitled

“…This sense of place is described in entrepreneurial research as identity legitimacy, which is often withheld from entrepreneurs who are deemed to behave differently and inspire envy within a wider social and cultural context (Anderson et al, 2019). In New Zealand, this phenomenon is officially called 'tall poppy syndrome' where the otherness of entrepreneurs is highlighted in a negative way (Kirkwood, 2007;Kirkwood & Warren, 2020).…”