When creation becomes fixation: venture obsession and agentic relationships
Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
ISSN: 1462-6004
Article publication date: 20 August 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of entrepreneurial passion, specifically venture obsession, in agentic relationships within entrepreneurial contexts. It aims to develop a new conceptualization of the role of the venture in these relationships and explore the negative impacts that can arise from the obsessive passion for the venture. The paper contributes to the literature by shedding light on the complexities of agency outside of large for-profit firms, unpacking components of self-interest in the agentic relationship and challenging the assumption that entrepreneurial passion is always beneficial for both the entrepreneur and the venture.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper employs theoretical framework development and conceptual mapping to explore the role of entrepreneurial passion, specifically venture obsession, in agentic relationships within entrepreneurial contexts. We conducted a comprehensive literature review and synthesis of existing research on agency theory, entrepreneurial passion and venture obsession. By integrating these insights, we developed a new conceptual framework that theorizes the negative impacts of venture obsession on agentic relationships and venture performance. This approach allows us to propose a nuanced model that highlights the complexities and potential maladaptive behaviors associated with obsessive passion in entrepreneurship.
Findings
Venture obsession can have detrimental outcomes, such as escalation of commitment and ignoring external feedback, due to the intense focus on protecting the venture at all costs.
Originality/value
The study highlights the impact of venture obsession on agentic relationships, emphasizing the balance between autonomy, competence and relatedness that entrepreneurs strive to maintain for their well-being. While previous research has explored the role of entrepreneurial passion and its effects on venture performance, this study extends the understanding by delving into the darker side of passion when it transforms into obsessive agency. By emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy balance in agentic relationships and considering the psychological well-being of entrepreneurs, this study adds nuance and depth to the existing knowledge on the subject.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Dr Charles Matthews, Dr Saras Sarasvathy and Dr Bina Ajay for their suggestions and mentorship throughout the development of this paper. Additionally, the authors would especially like to thank Dr Timothy Munyon and the Southern Management Association Paper Development Program for their invaluable feedback and support, which greatly enhanced the quality and rigor of our research. Finally, we would like to thank Dr Patrick Murphy and the team of anonymous reviewers for their excellent and constructive suggestions throughout the review process.
Citation
Peat, D.M. and Perrmann-Graham, J. (2024), "When creation becomes fixation: venture obsession and agentic relationships", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-06-2023-0266
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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