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Lions, bees, and chameleons: unravelling the entrepreneurial archetypes and their impact on performance and wellbeing.

Sawang, Sukanlaya; Alshibani, Safiya; Ng, Poh Yen

Authors

Sukanlaya Sawang

Safiya Alshibani



Abstract

This study explores the complex relationship between a founder's social identity and the Dark Triad traits. It aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of entrepreneurial behaviours and their subsequent impact on enterprise performance and founders' wellbeing. Drawing inspiration from the animal kingdom, we identify three entrepreneurial archetypes: Lions, Bees, and Chameleons, using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) of 28,853 active entrepreneurs. Lions, embodying a balanced competitiveness, exhibit a strategic blend of dominance and communal living. As collaborative visionaries, Bees showcases a strong inclination towards teamwork and purpose-driven collaboration. Chameleons, the strategic individualists, reveal adaptability and calculated approaches to competition. The study reveals that these archetypes impact wellbeing and performance outcomes differently. Lions, Bees, and Chameleons contribute uniquely to entrepreneurial success, highlighting the diverse factors influencing business performance and individual satisfaction. By exploring the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurial behaviour, this research offers valuable insights into how social identity and personality traits shape entrepreneurial success. Identifying distinct archetypes enriches the current understanding of entrepreneurial dynamics, providing practical implications for individuals and businesses aiming to thrive in competitive environments. Additionally, the findings hold significant implications for policymakers seeking to foster a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation. Understanding the unique characteristics of different entrepreneurial archetypes can inform the design of policies and programs tailored to support diverse entrepreneurial ventures and enhance overall economic growth.

Citation

SAWANG, S., ALSHIBANI, S. and NG, P.Y. [2025]. Lions, bees, and chameleons: unravelling the entrepreneurial archetypes and their impact on performance and well-being. International journal of entrepreneurial behavior and research [online], (accepted). To be made available from: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-03-2024-0215

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 15, 2025
Deposit Date Jan 16, 2025
Journal International journal of entrepreneurial behavior and research
Print ISSN 1355-2554
Electronic ISSN 1758-6534
Publisher Emerald
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
DOI https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-03-2024-0215
Keywords Entrepreneurship; Behavioural dynamics; Dark triad; Social identity; Wellbeing; Performance
Public URL https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2662909