New research from the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business sheds light on career development and entrepreneurship within the global high-end fashion industry. In the article "Prêt-à-quitter: Career Mobility and Entrepreneurship in the Global High-End Fashion Industry," published in the Journal of Business Venturing, Kim Claes, a visiting assistant professor in the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, and his co-authors take a sociological perspective to explore why some individuals enter and return to entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship has long been associated with individuals possessing specific qualities and abilities, and many believe that entrepreneurs are born with a set of skills that make them more inclined to succeed; however, this study takes a different approach. The research suggests that launching a startup is not solely based on personal characteristics. Instead, it delves into how organizational roles and social dynamics influence the choice. In particular, the study highlights the unique role of the organizational founder and its impact on career mobility and entrepreneurship for both founders and employees.

Founders of organizations are unique in their right to represent their businesses; the role creates a strong commitment to the organization and deters individuals from seeking opportunities outside of it. Founders are generally the face of the organization and are highly invested in its success, and it’s this responsibility that keeps them committed to their venture.

Read the full story on the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business news site, BusinessFeed.