Purpose
To combine the identity and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) approaches to entrepreneurship, we investigated unique main effects as well as moderating effects of an entrepreneurial self-identity in the TPB-entrepreneurship framework. We also investigated predictors of an entrepreneurial self-identity.
Design/methodology/approach
Considering a process model of entrepreneurship, we analyzed two cross-sectional T1 samples of German scientists with regard to two central tasks along the entrepreneurial process (business idea development and business founding) via path model analyses as well as data from follow-up surveys collected at T2 and T3 via regression analyses.
Findings
Self-identity predicted founding intentions, above and beyond the effect of the TPB variables. Moreover, self-identity showed a characteristic moderating effect with TPB-intention predictors. Their effect was weaker or even zero at low levels of self-identity. In addition, self-identity forecasted behavior, but had no unique main or moderating effect on behavior in the TPB framework. Self-identity was predictable by past behavior, personality structure, recalled adolescent competencies, and early parental role models. Moreover, an engagement in entrepreneurial activity led to an increase in self-identity over time.
Implications
The results suggest that self-identity operates as a motivational factor in entrepreneurial transitions that interacts with TPB variables in a characteristic way. An entrepreneurial self-identity develops from an early developmental stage on, but also during the working life.
Originality/value
This study is unique because it integrates the occupational self-concept/self-identity construct into the TPB–entrepreneurship approach, and also delivers new implications concerning how to foster entrepreneurial motivations more effectively by taking the developing occupational self-concept into account.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Achtziger, A., & Gollwitzer, P. M. (2008). Motivation and volition during the course of action. In J. Heckhausen & H. Heckhausen (Eds.), Motivation and action (pp. 272–295). London: Cambridge University Press.
Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behaviour. Organizational Behaviour and Human Decision Processes, 50(2), 179–211.
Ajzen, I. (2002). Construction of a standard questionnaire for the theory of planned behavior. http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~aizen/ (10.06.2008).
Ajzen, I., & Madden, T. J. (1986). Prediction of goal-directed behavior: Attitudes, intentions and perceived behavioral control. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 22(5), 453–474.
Arbuckle, J. L. (2010). IBM SPSS ® Amos™ 19 User’s Guide. Chicago: SPSS.
Audretsch, D. B., & Stephan, P. E. (1999). Knowledge spillovers in biotechnology: Sources and incentives. Journal of Evolutionary Economics, 9(1), 97–107.
Belli, R. F., Shay, W. L., & Stafford, F. P. (2001). Event history calendars and question list surveys. Public Opinion Quarterly, 65, 45–74.
Betz, N. E. (1994). Self-concept theory in career development and counseling. Career Development Quarterly, 43(1), 32–42.
Bundesamt, Statistisches. (2008). Bildung und Kultur: Personal an Hochschulen [Education and culture: Personell at universities]. Wiesbaden, Germany: Statistisches Bundesamt.
Burke, P. J., & Reitzes, D. C. (1981). The link between identity and role performance. Social Psychology Quarterly, 44, 83–92.
Campbell, J. D. (1990). Self-esteem and the clarity of the self-concept. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 59(3), 538–549.
Cardon, M. S., Gregoire, D. A., Stevens, C. E., & Patel, P. C. (2013). Measuring entrepreneurial passion: Conceptual foundations and scale validation. Journal of Business Venturing, 28(3), 373–396.
Conner, M., & Armitage, C. J. (1998). Extending the theory of planned behavior: A review and avenues for future research. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 28(15), 1429–1464.
Conway, M. A., Wang, Q., Hanyu, K., & Haque, S. (2005). A cross-cultural variation of autobiographical memory: On the universality and cultural variation of the reminiscence bump. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 36, 739–749.
Cronbach, L. J., & Gleser, G. C. (1953). Assessing the similarity between profiles. Psychological Bulletin, 50, 456–473.
Davidsson, P., & Gordon, S. R. (2012). Panel studies of new venture creation: A methods-focused review and suggestions for future research. Small Business Economics, 39, 853–876.
Eccles, J. (1994). Understanding women’s educational and occupational choices: Applying the Eccles et al. model of achievement-related choices. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 18, 585–609.
Fauchart, E., & Gruber, M. (2011). Darwinians, communitarians, and missionaries: The role of founder identity in entrepreneurship. Academy of Management Journal, 54(5), 935–957.
Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Evanston, IL: Row, Peterson.
Fini, R., Grimaldi, R., Marzocchi, G. L., & Sombrero, M. (2012). The determinants of corporate entrepreneurial intention within small and newly established firms. Entrepreneurship: Theory & Practice, 36(2), 387–414.
Fishbein, M., & Ajzen, I. (2010). Predicting and changing behavior: The reasoned action approach. New York: Taylor.
Frese, M. (1982). Occupational socialization and psychological development: An underemphasized research perspective in industrial psychology. Journal of Occupational Psychology, 55, 209–224.
Goethner, M., Obschonka, M., Silbereisen, R. K., & Cantner, U. (2012). Scientists’ transition to academic entrepreneurship: Economic and psychological determinants. Journal of Economic Psychology, 33(3), 628–641.
Heckhausen, H., & Gollwitzer, P. M. (1987). Thought contents and cognitive functioning in motivational and volitional states of mind. Motivation and Emotion, 11, 101–120.
Hoang, H., & Gimeno, J. (2010). Becoming a founder: How founder role identity affects entrepreneurial transitions and persistence in founding. Journal of Business Venturing, 25(1), 41–53.
Holland, J. L. (1997). Making vocational choices. A theory of vocational personalities and work environments. Odessa, FL: PAR.
Jain, S., George, G., & Maltarich, M. (2009). Academics or entrepreneurs? Investigation role identity modification of university scientists involved in commercialization activities. Research Policy, 38(6), 922–935.
Kautonen, T., van Gelderen, M., & Fink, M. (2013). Robustness of the theory of planned behavior in predicting entrepreneurial intentions and actions. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice. doi:10.1111/etap.12056.
Kim-Gang, D., & Weiss, D. J. (2008). Adaptive measurement of individual change. Journal of Psychology, 216, 49–58.
Kline, R. B. (2005). Structural equation modeling. New York: The Guilford Press.
Kohn, M. L., & Schooler, C. (1982). Job conditions and personality: A longitudinal assessment of their reciprocal effects. American Journal of Sociology, 87, 1257–1286.
Kohn, M. L., Slomczynski, K. M., & Schoenbach, C. (1986). Social stratification and the transmission of values in the family: A cross-national assessment. Sociological Forum, 1, 73–102.
Kolvereid, L., & Isaksen, E. (2006). New business start-up and subsequent entry into self-employment. Journal of Business Venturing, 21(6), 866–885.
Krueger, N. F. (2007). What lies beneath? The experiential essence of entrepreneurial thinking. Entrepreneurship: Theory & Practice, 31(1), 123–138.
Krueger, N. F., & Carsrud, A. L. (1993). Entrepreneurial intentions: Applying the theory of planned behaviour. Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, 5(4), 315–330.
Krueger, N. F., Reilly, M. D., & Carsrud, A. L. (2000). Competing models of entrepreneurial intentions. Journal of Business Venturing, 15(5–6), 411–432.
Landry, R., Amara, N., & Rherrad, I. (2006). Why are some university researchers more likely to create spin-offs than others? Evidence from Canadian universities. Research Policy, 35(10), 1599–1615.
Lecky, P. (1945). Self-consistency: A theory of personality. New York: Island Press.
Liñán, F., Urbano, D., & Guerrero, M. (2011). Regional variations in entrepreneurial cognitions: Start-up intentions of university students in Spain. Entrepreneurship & Regional Development: An International Journal, 23(3–4), 187–215.
Gottfredson, L. S. (1981). Circumscription and compromise: A developmental theory of occupational aspirations. Journal of Counseling Psychology (Monograph), 28(6), 545–579.
Luster, R., Rhoades, K., & Haas, B. (1989). The relation between parental values and parenting behavior: A test of the Kohn hypothesis. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 51, 139–147.
McCall, G. J., & Simmons, J. L. (1966). Identities and interactions: An examination of human associations in everyday life. New York: Free Press.
Murnieks, C., Mosakowski, E., & Cardon, M. (2014). Pathways of passion: Identity centrality, passion, and behavior among entrepreneurs. Journal of Management, 40, 1583–1606.
Murray, F., & Graham, L. (2007). Buying science and selling science: Gender differences in the market for commercial science. Industrial and Corporate Change, 16(4), 657–689.
Navis, C., & Glynn, M. A. (2011). Legitimate distinctiveness and the entrepreneurial identity: Influence on investor judgments of new venture plausibility. Academy of Management Review, 36(3), 479.
Obschonka, M., Goethner, M., Silbereisen, R. K., & Cantner, U. (2012). Social identity and the transition to entrepreneurship: The role of group identification with workplace peers. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 80, 137–147.
Obschonka, M., Schmitt-Rodermund, E., Silbereisen, R. K., Gosling, S. D., & Potter, J. (2013). The regional distribution and correlates of an entrepreneurship-prone personality profile in the U.S., Germany, and the UK: A socioecological perspective. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 105(1), 104–122.
Obschonka, M., & Silbereisen, R. K. (2012). Entrepreneurship from a developmental science perspective. Editorial for the Special Issue “Entrepreneurial development: Person and context”. International Journal of Developmental Science, 6(3-4), 107–115.
Obschonka, M., Silbereisen, R. K., & Schmitt-Rodermund, E. (2010). Entrepreneurial intention as developmental outcome. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 77(1), 63–72.
Obschonka, M., Silbereisen, R. K., & Schmitt-Rodermund, E. (2011a). Entrepreneurial success as developmental outcome: A path model from a life-span perspective of human development. European Psychologist, 16(3), 174–186.
Obschonka, M., Silbereisen, R. K., Schmitt-Rodermund, E., & Stuetzer, M. (2011b). Nascent entrepreneurship and the developing individual: Early entrepreneurial competence in adolescence and venture creation success during the career. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 79, 121–133.
Ostendorf, E. (1990). Sprache und Persönlichkeitsstruktur: Zur Validität des Fünf-Faktoren-Modells der Persönlichkeit [Language and personality structure: Toward the validation of the five-factor model of personality]. Regensburg, Germany: S. Roeder Verlag.
Oyserman, D. (2009). Identity-based motivation: Implications for action-readiness, procedural-readiness, and consumer behavior. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 19, 250–260.
Ozer, D. J., & Benet-Martinez, V. (2006). Personality and the prediction of consequential outcomes. Annual Review of Psychology, 57, 401–421.
Peterman, N. E., & Kennedy, J. (2003). Enterprise education: Influencing students’ perceptions of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice, 28, 129–144.
Rise, J., Sheeran, P., & Hukkelberg, S. (2010). The role of self-identity in the theory of planned behavior: A meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 40(5), 1085–1105.
Rutter, M., Maughan, B., Pickles, A., & Simonoff, E. (1998). Retrospective recall recalled. In R. B. Cairns, L. R. Bergman, & J. Kagan (Eds.), Methods and models for studying the individual (pp. 219–243). Thousands Oaks, CA: Sage.
Savickas, M. L. (1985). Identity in vocational development. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 27, 329–337.
Savickas, M. L. (2002). Career construction: A developmental theory of vocational behavior. In D. Brown (Ed.), Career choice and development (Vol. 4, pp. 149–205). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Schmitt-Rodermund, E. (2004). Pathways to successful entrepreneurship: Parenting, personality, entrepreneurial competence, and interests. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 65, 498–518.
Schmitt-Rodermund, E. (2007). The long way to entrepreneurship: Personality, parenting, early interests, and competencies as precursors for entrepreneurial activity among the ‘Termites’. In R. K. Silbereisen & R. M. Lerner (Eds.), Approaches to positive youth development (pp. 205–224). London: Sage.
Schumpeter, J. A. (1934). The theory of economic development. Cambridge, MA: Havard University Press.
Schwarzer, R. (2001). Social-cognitive factors in changing health-related behaviors. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 10(2), 47–51.
Shane, S. A. (2004). Academic entrepreneurship: University spinoffs and wealth creation. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing.
Shane, S., & Venkataraman, S. (2000). The promise of entrepreneurship as a field of research. Academy of Management Review, 25, 217–226.
Shepherd, D., & Haynie, J. M. (2009). Birds of a feather don’t always flock together: Identity management in entrepreneurship. Journal of Business Venturing, 24, 316–337.
Siemsen, E., Roth, A., & Oliveira, P. (2009). Common method bias in regression models with linear, quadratic, and interaction effects. Organizational Research Methods, 13(3), 456–476.
Skorikov, V. B., & Vondracek, F. W. (2007). Vocational identity. In V. B. Skorikov & W. Patton (Eds.), Career development in childhood and adolescence (pp. 143–168). Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
Souitaris, V., Zerbinati, S., & Al-Laham, A. (2007). Do entrepreneurship programmes raise entrepreneurial intention of science and engineering students? The effect of learning, inspiration and resources. Journal of Business Venturing, 22(4), 566–591.
Sparks, P., & Shepherd, R. (1992). Self-identity and the theory of planned behavior: Assessing the role of identification with “green consumerism”. Social Psychology Quarterly, 55(3), 388–399.
Stets, J. E., & Burke, P. J. (2000). Identity theory and social identity theory. Social Psychology Quarterly, 63(3), 224–237.
Stryker, S. (1987). Identity theory: Development and extensions. In K. Yardley & T. Honess (Eds.), Self and identity (pp. 89–104). New York: Wiley.
Stuetzer, M., Obschonka, M., & Schmitt-Rodermund, E. (2013). Balanced skills among nascent entrepreneurs. Small Business Economics, 41(1), 93–114.
Super, D. E. (1963). Self-concepts in vocational development. In D. E. Super, R. Starishevsky, N. Matlin, & J. P. Joordan (Eds.), Career development: Self-concept theory (pp. 17–32). New York: College Entrance Examination Board.
Swann, W. B, Jr., Rentfrow, P. J., & Guinn, J. (2002). Self-verification: The search for coherence. In M. Leary & J. Tagney (Eds.), Handbook of self and identity (pp. 381–383). New York: Guilford.
Terry, D. J., Hogg, M. A., & White, K. M. (1999). The theory of planned behavior: Self-identity, social identity and group norms. British Journal of Social Psychology, 38(3), 225–244.
Ucbasaran, D., Alsos, G. A., Westhead, P., & Wright, M. (2008). Habitual entrepreneurs. Foundations and Trends in Entrepreneurship, 4(4), 309–450.
Unger, J. M., Rauch, A., Frese, M., & Rosenbusch, N. (2011). Human capital and entrepreneurial success: a meta-analytical review. Journal of Business Venturing, 26, 341–358.
Verheul, I., Uhlaner, L. M., & Thurik, A. R. (2005). Business accomplishments, gender and entrepreneurial self-image. Journal of Business Venturing, 20(4), 483–518.
von Graevenitz, G., Harhoff, D., & Weber, R. (2010). The effects of entrepreneurship education. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 76(1), 90–112.
World Economic Forum. (2009). Educating the next wave of entrepreneurs: Unlocking entrepreneurial capabilities to meet the global challenges of the 21st century. Geneva, Switzerland: World Economic Forum.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Obschonka, M., Silbereisen, R.K., Cantner, U. et al. Entrepreneurial Self-Identity: Predictors and Effects Within the Theory of Planned Behavior Framework. J Bus Psychol 30, 773–794 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-014-9385-2
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-014-9385-2