Roy, Vishalakshi (2016) Navigating multiple identities : identity work of creative entrepreneurs in the founding stage. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

The contemporary view of identity in entrepreneurship accepts its dynamic nature and its multidimensional structure. Some scholars have illustrated how identity tensions may stimulate identity work in different settings, but they do not offer a satisfactory understanding of how multiple identities of an entrepreneur interact to promote identity work. One setting where identity work is prolific is in the initial stages of the venture when individuals have recently transitioned into entrepreneurship. However, detailed accounts of the identity struggles of the entrepreneur in this stage has not found favour in the entrepreneurship literature. More specifically, studies investigating identity conflict and coherence of entrepreneurs do not provide a satisfactory understanding of identity work derived from the complexity of the existence of multiple identities. The question therefore arises - How do entrepreneurs engage in identity work in response to identity demands caused by multiple identities?

To address this research gap I study entrepreneurs that have recently started a venture in the creative industries. The founding stage is chosen to facilitate the observation of intense identity work, while the creative industries as an extreme setting facilitates our observation of multiple sub-identities of the entrepreneur. Though a two-year qualitative longitudinal study of 15 creative entrepreneurs, I provide new insight into identity work of entrepreneurs in light of multiple identities. Drawing on my analysis of the data, I present three articles. In the first, I examine the process of identity work through a staged model, and propose identity routes and tactics of entrepreneurs as they journey through identity disruption and equilibrium. Here, I recognise the impact of the entrepreneurs’ affects in this process. In the second article, I analyse how conflicts between specific identities of the entrepreneur are normalised by investigating dirty work in the context of entrepreneurship. And finally in article three I offer a more rounded discussion to types of trigger for identity work by examining the impact of self-defined critical incidents on identity work of entrepreneurs. Here I discuss the role of sensemaking in internalising the impacts from these critical incidents and find that a single incident can have multiple impacts. The examination of identity work in light of multiple identities is concluded with a discussion of the contributions of the thesis towards the current gaps in identity work literature as identified by scholars.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Entrepreneurship, Cultural industries
Official Date:	June 2016
Dates:	Date Event June 2016 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Warwick Business School
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Ucbasaran, Deniz
Extent:	ix, 184 leaves
Language:	eng

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