Performative entrepreneurship: identity, behaviour and place in adventure sports Enterprise

Dobson, Stephen; McLuskie, Pete

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>This research explores entrepreneurial identity and place in adventure sports within the emerging field of sports entrepreneurship. A growing body of literature has established the broad parameters of sports entrepreneurs mainly within the fitness sector. This study applies a performative entrepreneurship lens to explore the embedded nature of identity, behaviour and place amongst mountain bike (MTB) trainers and guides. This qualitative study is based around interviews with six trainers/guides conducted via online forums as well as participatory observations made on a group ride and of a communal response to the natural environment through trail building. Findings illustrate that unlike the fitness sector where there is a more established market and where entrepreneurs often move from employment to self-employment within the sector, the MTB adventure sports entrepreneur operates in a less formalised market resulting in less formal strategic planning. ‘Place’ is an important factor in the performative nature of enterprise in this study and it is clear that it is through lifestyle entrepreneurship that the individuals are ‘performing’ identity.</jats:p>

Citation

Dobson, S., & McLuskie, P. (2020). Performative entrepreneurship: identity, behaviour and place in adventure sports Enterprise. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 16, 879 - 895. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-020-00661-2

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 25, 2020
• Publication Date: Apr 25, 2020
• Journal: International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal
• Print ISSN: 1554-7191
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Pages: 879 - 895
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-020-00661-2