The Role of Identity in Entrepreneurial Team Formation and Development
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| Title: | The Role of Identity in Entrepreneurial Team Formation and Development |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Rinor Kurteshi, Fernando Almeida |
| Source: | Learning Organization. 2026 33(3):450-469. |
| Availability: | Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 20 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Entrepreneurship, Social Networks, Teamwork, Knowledge Management, Trust (Psychology), Interpersonal Relationship, Conflict Resolution, Feedback (Response), Foreign Countries, Professional Identity, Attitudes, Group Dynamics, Universities, Cooperation, School Business Relationship |
| Geographic Terms: | Hungary (Budapest) |
| DOI: | 10.1108/TLO-12-2024-0382 |
| ISSN: | 0969-6474 1758-7905 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study aims to explore how identity is formed and evolves within entrepreneurial teams operating in dynamic and uncertain environments. It examines how individual and shared identities interact with knowledge processes and influence collaboration, trust and decision-making, shaping the formation and development of entrepreneurial teams. Design/methodology/approach: This research adopts a multiple-case study approach to explore the entrepreneurial team identity formation and development. It uses one-to-one semi-structured interviews with active entrepreneurial team members who have completed the Central European University iLab Incubation Program. First, an inductive coding strategy was applied. In addition, secondary data were collected through manual web scraping. Findings: This study shows that knowledge sharing, resource exchange and mentorship through proactive networking shape teams' entrepreneurial identity. Networking and social interactions reinforce each other, while incubation increases legitimacy and identity strength. Trust, open communication and feedback foster adaptability, agility and performance, further consolidating entrepreneurial identity. Originality/value: This study shifts the focus from individual to collective identity in entrepreneurship, examining how team identity forms and evolves in incubation settings. It highlights the dynamic interplay of networking, knowledge sharing, legitimacy, team dynamics and feedback in shaping shared identity. By emphasizing collaboration and context, it advances understanding of entrepreneurial identity as a collective process. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1508230 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study aims to explore how identity is formed and evolves within entrepreneurial teams operating in dynamic and uncertain environments. It examines how individual and shared identities interact with knowledge processes and influence collaboration, trust and decision-making, shaping the formation and development of entrepreneurial teams. Design/methodology/approach: This research adopts a multiple-case study approach to explore the entrepreneurial team identity formation and development. It uses one-to-one semi-structured interviews with active entrepreneurial team members who have completed the Central European University iLab Incubation Program. First, an inductive coding strategy was applied. In addition, secondary data were collected through manual web scraping. Findings: This study shows that knowledge sharing, resource exchange and mentorship through proactive networking shape teams' entrepreneurial identity. Networking and social interactions reinforce each other, while incubation increases legitimacy and identity strength. Trust, open communication and feedback foster adaptability, agility and performance, further consolidating entrepreneurial identity. Originality/value: This study shifts the focus from individual to collective identity in entrepreneurship, examining how team identity forms and evolves in incubation settings. It highlights the dynamic interplay of networking, knowledge sharing, legitimacy, team dynamics and feedback in shaping shared identity. By emphasizing collaboration and context, it advances understanding of entrepreneurial identity as a collective process. |
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| ISSN: | 0969-6474 1758-7905 |
| DOI: | 10.1108/TLO-12-2024-0382 |
