Unpacking the Role of Idiosyncrasy in Collective Bricolage

Abstract

This paper aims to advance the understanding of idiosyncrasy in entrepreneurship theory, defined as the particular way of how entrepreneurs do things. To do this we investigate idiosyncrasy’s role in entrepreneurial collective bricolage process. A multiple-case study of the venturing process of FARC ex-guerrillas in Colombia—a highly idiosyncratic group—uncovers the multiple roles played by idiosyncrasy as a shaper, motivator, inhibitor, enabler, and deterrent of the collective bricolage process. Our conceptual and empirical analysis makes two main contributions. First, we show how idiosyncrasy operates as a powerful determinant for collective entrepreneurship. Second, we identify how idiosyncrasy shapes the process of entrepreneurial bricolage and its outcomes. Our findings offer implications for the promotion of entrepreneurship in highly idiosyncratic groups, as well as policies around the collective entrepreneurship process.