BEING AND DOING AUTHENTIC: AN INTEGRATIVE MODEL OF ENTREPRENEURIAL AUTHENTICITY IN SME

This research defines entrepreneurial authenticity for the first time, conceptualizing it as a dynamic ecological system operating through five distinct dimensions. Through analysis of in-depth interviews with 37 entrepreneurs managing 43 ventures, our findings reveal that authenticity emerges from the integration of five dimensions: self-awareness, consistency, moral transparency, exposure, and uniqueness. These dimensions operate in two interconnected layers—"being yourself" and "expressing yourself"—that mutually reinforce each other. We introduce the "Authentic Expression Ladder" demonstrating how entrepreneurs translate personal authenticity into market presence. This study bridges fragmented literature perspectives and offers implications for entrepreneurs seeking competitive advantage.