Her story of becoming: Unraveling the identity work of women entrepreneurs

Guide(s)

Jha, Srivardhini K

Department

Entrepreneurship

Area

Entrepreneurship

University

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

Place

Bangalore

Publication Date

3-31-2024

Year Awarded

March 2024

Year Completed

March 2024

Year Registered

June 2019

Abstract

Human beings have had the fundamental need to define who they are as individuals and how they relate to others (Mead, 1934; Gioia, 1998; Gruber & Macmillan, 2017). Identity theory delves into this need, exploring how social structures shape individuals and their interactions. Identities, the meanings individuals ascribe to themselves, answer existential questions about who they are, who they aspire to be, and how they should behave (Brown, 2022). They engage in identity work, which is defined as the process of forming, maintaining, or revising their identities (Sveningsson & Alvesson, 2003). This involves a dynamic, conscious effort that makes life meaningful and renders their inner and social worlds intelligible (Petriglieri et al., 2019). Identity also impacts agency, as individuals understanding of who they are and how they relate to others influences their ability to act and make choices within social structures (Burke, 2006). For entrepreneurs with a strong bias for action, the existence of a strong entrepreneurial identity is vital. This holds particularly true for women entrepreneurs due to the prevailing perception of entrepreneurship as a predominantly masculine pursuit. In this thesis, I explore how women engage in identity work, through their stories of becoming entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship research is increasingly emphasising identity, shifting from isolating traits to identity-based perspectives (Mmbaga et al., 2020; Radu-Lefebvre et al., 2021). This shift has nuanced our understanding of entrepreneurs, showcasing them as individuals engaged in diverse activities and unraveling the complexities of the entrepreneurial process (Fauchart & Gruber, 2011; Phillips et al., 2013; Grimes et al., 2018). However, this discourse often neglects women entrepreneurs, perpetuating a male-centric view of entrepreneurship (Ahl, 2006; Mmbaga et al., 2020). Women navigating entrepreneurial landscapes face intricate challenges, managing conflicting social identities and societal expectations (Chasserio et al., 2014). Few studies address this gap, highlighting the need to incorporate gender perspectives into entrepreneurial identity research. Researching women entrepreneurs' identity work also poses unique challenges, like sampling difficulties and navigating the subjective nature of identity. I adopt a qualitative approach, employing thematic and narrative analysis to address these. In the first section of my thesis, I review the broader area of entrepreneurial identity work. Building on this foundation, I explore the activation of entrepreneurial identity among women. The entrepreneurial identity of women has to be investigated as a socially negotiated ongoing accomplishment, as entrepreneurship is a socially dependent process (Radu-Lefebvre et al., 2021). Entrepreneurial identity, shaped by societal, cultural, and relational contexts, demands a comprehensive analysis of individual and societal factors (Ahl, 2006; Bird & Brush, 2002). This study investigates how women entrepreneurs navigate identity work, unraveling the steps in entrepreneurial identity activation. The second research question seeks to explore the role of social support systems that women entrepreneurs have during the identity activation process. The findings highlight two primary sources of support: family and peers. Within familial support, distinct modes of support are identified, elucidating how support is provided. Furthermore, the study delves into two categories of support-instrumental and emotional-shedding light on the specific nature of the support extended to women entrepreneurs. In the third section, I examine the role of emotions in women entrepreneurs' identity work. Entrepreneurship, being an emotional roller-coaster, demands an in-depth understanding of emotions (Cardon et al., 2012). For women entrepreneurs, gender differences in processing emotions intensify identity work challenges (Garcia & Welter, 2013). The analysis categorises identity-implicating experiences as threats and opportunities, unveiling key identity-preserving strategies. This research uncovers the complex process of identity formation in women entrepreneurs, emphasising the non-linear nature of identity activation. It underscores the importance of social support by distinguishing the types and sources of support and illustrating the intricate dynamics at play. It also highlights the nuanced connection between emotions and identity work. This thesis aims to contribute to academic knowledge and guide efforts to empower women entrepreneurs, challenging societal norms for a more inclusive entrepreneurial future.

Pagination

x, 211p.

Copyright

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

Document Type

Dissertation

DAC Chairperson

Jha, Srivardhini K

DAC Members

Bhagavatula, Suresh; Kulkarni, Mukta

Type of Degree

Ph.D.

Relation

DIS-IIMB-FPM-P24-19

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