Entrepreneurial gain, cultural similarity and transnational entrepreneurship

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyse the factors affecting the motivations of immigrant entrepreneurs to generate an entrepreneurial gain (positive impact on home and host countries). We consider that positive reasons for emigrating can increase transnational entrepreneurship and mutual benefits for both societies. To test this hypothesis we present a model using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM).This model explains the relations between motivations, cultural similarities, institutions and transnational linkage potentials. We designed an ad hoc search of Argentinean entrepreneurs established in Spain, both as EU citizens and without legal EU status, using online social networks. We applied an online questionnaire to 214 such entrepreneurs. We conclude that institutional rules (formal and informal) greatly influence the location decisions of firms and immigrant entrepreneurs' motivations for starting transnational business because they provide the frame for the development of profitable opportunities.

Leveraging symbolic capital: the use of blat networks across transnational spaces

“…While the extant literature shows how migrant entrepreneurs mobilize different forms of capital to further their business ventures (Baltar and Icart 2013;Plüss 2011;), here we focus on the underexplored form of symbolic capital understood as the prestige, status and positive reputation individuals possess in the eyes of others (Terjesen and Elam 2009).…”

The Legitimacy of Transnational Startups: The Case of Canadian-Iranian Startups

“…According to Baltar & Icart (2013), the factors contributing to immigrant entrepreneurs' decisions to migrate and establish a startup can be categorized as positive motivations and negative reasons. Positive motivations can include job reassignment, business opportunities, better education, new experiences and/or a need for personal change.…”

“…Positive motivations can include job reassignment, business opportunities, better education, new experiences and/or a need for personal change. They identify bad living conditions, unemployment and family reunification in the country of origin as potential negative reasons (Baltar & Icart, 2013). To some degree, based on the two above-mentioned categories, transnational entrepreneurs can be divided into two groups: "necessity-driven entrepreneurs" and "opportunity-driven entrepreneurs" (Baltar & Icart, 2013).…”

“…They identify bad living conditions, unemployment and family reunification in the country of origin as potential negative reasons (Baltar & Icart, 2013). To some degree, based on the two above-mentioned categories, transnational entrepreneurs can be divided into two groups: "necessity-driven entrepreneurs" and "opportunity-driven entrepreneurs" (Baltar & Icart, 2013). The first category designates those entrepreneurs who start a business to escape from unemployment or other adverse circumstances, while the second refers to entrepreneurs who are seeking better opportunities (Baltar & Icart, 2013;Light, 1972;Kloosterman, 2010).…”

“…To some degree, based on the two above-mentioned categories, transnational entrepreneurs can be divided into two groups: "necessity-driven entrepreneurs" and "opportunity-driven entrepreneurs" (Baltar & Icart, 2013). The first category designates those entrepreneurs who start a business to escape from unemployment or other adverse circumstances, while the second refers to entrepreneurs who are seeking better opportunities (Baltar & Icart, 2013;Light, 1972;Kloosterman, 2010). Brzozowski et al (2017) believe that immigrants' ties have an essential impact on transnational entrepreneurship.…”