Identity, Enactment, and Entrepreneurship Engagement in a Declining Place

Abstract

We examine entrepreneurship practice and identity work in a rural small town in New Zealand. Once prosperous, the town suffered economically and socially as old industries closed. Recently the town was rejuvenated, largely because of Linda's entrepreneurial activities. Our findings demonstrated conflict between her entrepreneurial identity and local sense of place. We theorize Linda's entrepreneurial identity in her business practice; where she experienced controversy, despite economic success. We argue that a complete understanding of identity and entrepreneurship practices requires attention to social and spatial processes, not just economic processes.

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Notes on contributors

Alistair R. Anderson

Alistair R. Anderson is Professor of Entrepreneurship Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University.

Lorraine Warren

Lorraine Warren is Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship School of Management, Massey University.

Jo Bensemann

Jo Bensemann is Senior Lecturer, School of Management at Massey University.