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What signals matter for social startups? It depends: The influence of gender role congruity on social impact accelerator selection decisions

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Social impact accelerators (SIAs) seek to select startups with the potential to generate financial returns and social impact. Through the lenses of signaling theory and gender role congruity theory, we examine 2324 social startups that applied to 123 SIAs globally in 2016 and 2017 and find that SIAs are more likely to accept startups that signal their economic and social credibility. Moreover, while we find that the influence of these signals is strongest when they are congruent with the stereotypes associated with the lead founder's gender, men seem to experience better outcomes from gender incongruity than women.

Source: Journal of Business Venturing

DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusvent.2019.03.001

Authors: Shu Yang, Romi Kher, Scott L. Newbert

Institutions: The Graduate Center, CUNY, Hofstra University, Baruch College, City University of New York

Language: English

Topic: Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Gender equality, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,800