The Behavioral Impact of Entrepreneur Identity Aspiration and Prior Entrepreneurial Experience

Abstract

This study examines entrepreneurial motivation in three diverse samples from an identitypossible self-perspective. We propose a model describing antecedents and outcomes of entrepreneur identity aspirations. In two of the three samples, strength of entrepreneur identity aspiration was significantly associated with the extent to which the individual's self-description fit his or her perceptions of the entrepreneurial role. However, identity aspiration strength predicted discovery and exploitation behaviors in all three samples. Additionally, prior start-up experience moderated the relationship between identity aspiration and exploitation behaviors for all three samples. These findings contribute to our understanding of what moves entrepreneurial "dreamers" to action.To become an entrepreneur, an individual needs to take action in identifying opportunities, deriving a plan to take advantage of the opportunity, executing the plan, and constantly monitoring and adjusting the plan. What then impels some-but not otherstoward action and keeps them going? We believe a person's developing sense of self as an entrepreneur represents a powerful motivating force that can help explain why some individuals choose and continue to engage in entrepreneurial activity and why others do not. In this study, we examine the impact of an individual's aspiration to become an entrepreneur on engagement in nascent or gestational entrepreneurial activities (Davidsson, 2006).Aspirations concern longings, aims, or ambitions. They refer to something desired that is not currently possessed. How we want to see ourselves-who we would like to be-has a great deal to do with how we will act. Desired or aspirational self-images have been implicated as powerful precursors of individual engagement, action, and persistence from a number of perspectives such as role identity (e.g.,

Entrepreneurship in the Agricultural Sector: A Literature Review and Future Research Opportunities

“…Few studies address how entrepreneurial identity is constructed and how entrepreneur identities come to being, in addition to the dominant focus on the description of individuals' identity (e.g. Donnellon et al, 2014;Farmer et al, 2011). Watson (2009) calls for more entrepreneurship research that relates concepts of self-identity and social identity; that is, the way a person characterizes her or himself (self-identity) and the way others characterize this person (social identity).…”

“…Farmer et al, 2011;Fauchert & Gruber, 2011;Shepherd & Haynie, 2009). Identity concerns the values and attitudes that underpin motivations, goals and intentions with engaging in entrepreneurship.…”

An Identity-Based Approach to Social Enterprise

“…Cardon and colleagues (2009) similarly theorized that entrepreneurs apply competencies associated with their inventor, founder, or developer roles as they pursue an opportunity. Role identities provide relevant knowledge to assess whether the effort required to pursue an opportunity is worth the potential payoff (Choi & Shepherd, 2004;Farmer, Yao, & Kung-McIntyre, 2011;Hoang & Gimeno, 2010;McMullen & Shepherd, 2006;Powell & Baker, 2014). …”

Labour as a knowledge carrier: how increased mobility influences entrepreneurship

“…Finally, we add a dummy variable for previous entrepreneurial experience during the time period 1986-2000. Having started a firm in the past is a strong predictor for future entrepreneurial activity (Davidsson and Honig 2003;Delmar and Davidsson 2000;Farmer et al 2011) and we therefore expect a positive sign for this variable.…”