Configurations of an Entrepreneurial Mindset in a Corporate Environment

This paper explores employees’ entrepreneurial mindset (EMS) variations and dynamics within an organizational context. The entrepreneurship community embraced EMS as a new concept with regard to the interest in adapting to changes in our fast-paced work environment. However, how exactly EMS changes over time, requires further understanding. Through a ten-month participatory observation study within one organization, we find that EMS is both important, often necessary, and salient for individual employees, leading them to engage in entrepreneurial activities during “spike” moments. We create specific configurations of individual, organizational and opportunity characteristics, enabling these said spikes of entrepreneurial behavior. We lastly theorize about the process of activation and development of EMS, advancing research on entrepreneurial employees.