The opportunity not taken: The occupational identity of entrepreneurs in contexts of poverty

• Published in: Journal of business venturing Vol. 33; no. 4; pp. 416 - 437
• Main Authors: Slade Shantz, Angelique, Kistruck, Geoffrey, Zietsma, Charlene
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.07.2018
• Subjects: Base of the pyramid entrepreneurship; Informal institutions; Island networks; Occupational identity; Occupations; Poverty; Occupational identity; Poverty; Informal institutions; Occupations; Island networks; Base of the pyramid entrepreneurship
• ISSN: 0883-9026; 1873-2003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusvent.2018.02.003

Innovative entrepreneurship is an essential but often missing outcome of poverty alleviation efforts. This qualitative study set in rural Ghana explores the occupational identity of entrepreneurs, the institutions that shape it in isolated “island networks”, and how it influences entrepreneurs' practices and decisions. We find that the institutional forces of “collectivism” and “fatalism” feature prominently. Being an entrepreneur in such settings means being a mentor, market link, and community safety net, and the types of opportunities entrepreneurs pursue are largely seen as pre-destined and inherited rather than individually chosen. As a result, the pursuit of innovative opportunities may be significantly limited. •Entrepreneurs in island networks are subject to informal institutional barriers to innovation.•Collectivism, and fatalism shape the occupational identity of entrepreneurs.•Entrepreneurs act out of obligation and constraint rather than opportunity.•Less embedded entrepreneurs are less constrained by these barriers.