The Construction of the Entrepreneurial Identity by Afghan refugee entrepreneurs in the Netherlands; An Intersectionality Analysis
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2022-11-14
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en
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Entrepreneurs possess multiple identities that can influence the construction of the entrepreneurial identity. This research aims to investigate this construction of the entrepreneurial identity by Afghan refugee entrepreneurs at the intersection of their Afghan and refugee identities. Investigating this further expands the literature on entrepreneurial identity and has the possibility of helping the expected growing number of aspiring Afghan refugee entrepreneurs in the future. The objective of this research was achieved by analysing the narratives of nineteen Afghan refugee entrepreneurs. The results of this paper show that both the Afghan and refugee identities influence the construction of the entrepreneurial identity. In addition, an intersection of the three identities was also found. The Afghan identity influences the entrepreneurial identity construction through cultural values that are linked to the Afghan identity. The cultural values that influenced the construction of the entrepreneurial identity were independence, self-sufficiency, and hospitality. This has not been investigated before, which is why the findings on the Afghan identity have given new insights. The refugee identity influences the entrepreneurial identity through qualities that the entrepreneurs developed through the hardships that they experienced as refugees. The qualities that influenced the construction of the entrepreneurial identity were perseverance and the ability to take risks. The intersection of the entrepreneurial, Afghan, and refugee identities was found in the willingness of these entrepreneurs to grow and create a future for themselves. This willingness to grow and create a future has helped and motivated the entrepreneurs with the growth of their businesses. Besides the Afghan and refugee identity, a third identity also significantly impacted the construction of the entrepreneurial identity, which was the Dutch identity.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen