Drifting, Not Driving

Identity Structure Analysis to Explore Entrepreneurial Identity

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14267/VEZTUD.2022.05.01

Keywords:

entrepreneurial identity, identity structure analysis, post-communist environment, communicative memory, ecosystem, gender differences, Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study is an exploration of entrepreneurial identity, employing a culturally sensitive mixed methods approach, Identity Structure Analysis (ISA). The sample includes 30 small/micro entrepreneurs in Southern-Transdanubia, Hungary. Hungary had introduced some “staccato” economic reforms in the previous social system, changing communist hostility towards entrepreneurs as “capitalists” into lasting ambivalence. The results reflect indistinct commitments to entrepreneurial values; constant adaptation to environmental factors instead of building own strategies; and limited future expectations. In the two sub-samples of male and female entrepreneurs there were no statistically significant differences. The dominant, masculine discourse of entrepreneurship, the underdevelopment of social enterprises in Hungary, the impact of the previous communist discourse understanding equality as sameness, and the pandemic-induced crisis may explain for these findings.

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Author Biographies

Rebeka Jávor, University of Pécs

Assistant Professor

Roger Ellis, Ulster University, Chester University

Professor Emeritus

Márta B. Erdős, University of Pécs

Associate Professor

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Published

2022-05-25

How to Cite

Jávor, R., Ellis, R., & B. Erdős, M. (2022). Drifting, Not Driving: Identity Structure Analysis to Explore Entrepreneurial Identity. Vezetéstudomány Budapest Management Review, 53(5), 2–15. https://doi.org/10.14267/VEZTUD.2022.05.01

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