What influences ethnic entrepreneurs' decision to start-up: some evidence from Aberdeen, Scotland.

Ullah, Farid; Rahman, Md Zillur; Smith, Robert; Beloucif, Ahmed

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore some key factors that influences ethnic entrepreneur's decision in starting-up a new business in Aberdeen, Scotland. Design/methodology/approach - The authors set out to investigate the motives, drivers and attitudes of ethnic minorities in seeking entrepreneurial opportunities. The authors conduct in-depth face-to-face interviews with 25 ethnic entrepreneurs from a variety of nationalities and cultures originating mainly from the Indian subcontinent region. This includes entrepreneurs from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and some others. The motivations varies according to their culture, traditions, religion and other environmental factors influencing on their decision to start-up. Findings - The results reveal some interesting influential factors that lead to the successful start-up decision. These include a positive mindset, self-efficacy, strong determination, knowing of the market and local business culture and good financial management. Originality/value - This paper is based on empirical research and new data have been collected specifically for this research. The authors hope the new findings from this research work will enhance the understanding about ethnic minority businesses in the context of Aberdeen, Scotland.

Citation

ULLAH, F., RAHMAN, M.Z., SMITH, R. and BELOUCIF, A. 2016. What influences ethnic entrepreneurs' decision to start-up: some evidence from Aberdeen, Scotland. Journal of small business and enterprise development [online], 23(4), pages 1081-1103. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-12-2015-0182

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 23, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Nov 21, 2016
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2016
• Deposit Date: Feb 21, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 21, 2017
• Journal: Journal of small business and enterprise development
• Print ISSN: 1462-6004
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 1081-1103
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-12-2015-0182
• Keywords: Entrepreneurship; Social capital; Networking; Start-up; Ethnic minority
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/2185
• Contract Date: Feb 21, 2017