Work

Strategic agencement: how sustainable entrepreneurs address the dual liabilities of newness and otherness

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Sustainable entrepreneurs are not only confronted with a ‘liability of newness’ that characterizes any entrepreneur but also with a ‘liability of otherness’ as they pursue both collective goals and personal interests. The resulting obstacles include the need for legitimation and a lack of financial, administrative, and informational support. This study explores how sustainable entrepreneurs strive to address these contextual barriers. Drawing on interviews with entrepreneurs of 20 sustainability-driven ventures, we demonstrate that sustainable entrepreneurs leverage their embeddedness as agents of change. By employing strategic agencement – Capacitating, Conforming, and Cutting – they actively shape their contexts and create scope for agency.

Source: Entrepreneurship and Regional Development

DOI: 10.1080/08985626.2025.2483936

Authors: Leonhard Gebhardt, Jens Kaus, Katharina Hölzle

Institutions: Université de Lorraine, University of Groningen, University of Stuttgart, Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering

Language: English

Topic: Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4408991144

FWCI: 7.188

Cites: 95

Cited by: 6

Related to: 10