Towards a Critical Typology of Entrepreneurial Identity

Abstract

This study attempts to present a typology of entrepreneurial identity on the basis of a Habermasian critical approach. To this end, four dimensions of a conceptual framework for a typology of entrepreneurial identity is designated constructed on the duality of emancipatory/instrumental rationality and the duality of individualism/collectivism. Accordingly, four types of entrepreneurial identities are presented: freedom-seeker, independency-seeker, and order-seeker and self-interested. Through a critical appraisal of the role of these identity types in identification of different forms of entrepreneurship, four types of entrepreneurship are introduced in accordance with each identity type: public entrepreneurship, lifestyle entrepreneurship, bureaucratic entrepreneurship, and commercial entrepreneurship. In addition to enriching entrepreneurial identity studies through demonstrating the role of rationality and judgment towards society in the formation of different entrepreneurial identities, this study, relying on fundamental concepts of critical theory, is an inspirational step towards promoting the interdisciplinary nature of entrepreneurship theory.

Keywords

• entrepreneurial identity
• critical theory
• rationality
• identity typology