The Behavioral Impact of Entrepreneur Identity Aspiration and Prior Entrepreneurial Experience

This study examines entrepreneurial motivation in three diverse samples from an identity–possible self–perspective. We propose a model describing antecedents and outcomes of entrepreneur identity aspirations. In two of the three samples, strength of entrepreneur identity aspiration was significantly associated with the extent to which the individual's self–description fit his or her perceptions of the entrepreneurial role. However, identity aspiration strength predicted discovery and exploitation behaviors in all three samples. Additionally, prior start–up experience moderated the relationship between identity aspiration and exploitation behaviors for all three samples. These findings contribute to our understanding of what moves entrepreneurial “dreamers” to action.