Organizational Perspective on Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Nowell and Timmermans argue that relational characteristics such as rich and frequent interaction, interdependence, commitment, and shared social identity are crucial when conceptualizing, defining, and operationalizing ‘the team’ in the emergent, uncertain context of new venture creation. What ‘the team’ is, its conceptualization, boundaries, and definitional understanding, as well whom we categorize as team members are examples of the questions addressed. Emergent findings demonstrate that members who are not necessarily part of the core of founders and owners are often classified as team members and, in addition to entry and exit, team member mobility includes movement within the organization in terms of core, operational, and supportive tiers. The authors call for a more inclusive, dynamic, and relational understanding of the team within the context of entrepreneurship.