Influenced by the lives of others: narratives of role modelling throughout the start-up process

Abstract

This study uses a narrative approach to explore how role modelling unfolds throughout the start-up process. Drawing on the experiences of 25 nascent and novice entrepreneurs, we illustrate how attributes of role models, role modelling outcomes, and related mechanisms change for entrepreneurs over time. Our emerging theoretical model highlights three distinctive role modelling narratives: ‘Taking the Leap’, ‘Learning the Trade’, and ‘Soothing the Nerves’. Our work expands existing role modelling research in entrepreneurship by looking beyond the impact of role models on entrepreneurs prior to starting-up and highlighting that role modelling continues to unfold and influence entrepreneurs throughout the start-up process.