Transnational entrepreneurs, worldchanging entrepreneurs, and ambassadors: a typology of the new breed of expatriates

Abstract

As barriers to globalization have steadily diminished, the number of entrepreneurial and noncommercial expatriates have grown from a trickle to a torrent. Much of what we know about expatriatism may not apply to this new breed of expatriates. A four-quadrant typology of expatriates draws attention to important differences in expatriate types. I make use of the notions of comparative fit and normative fit from self-categorization theory to validate the typology. Examining the experiences of 160 expatriates demonstrates that the proposed typology represents real differences and is invoked by expatriates in the field. Scholars may apply this typology to explain inconsistent findings in extant studies and as a guide for the development of new research questions.

International entrepreneurship: managerial and policy implications

“…Transnational entrepreneurs are individuals that migrate from one country to another, concurrently maintaining business linkages between their country of origin and the newly adopted countries and communities. Whereas research has traditionally focused on managers and employees of MNEs being sent to work abroad, Connelly (2009) examines the heterogeneity of expatriate transnational entrepreneurs. In contrast, Drori et al (2009) position transnational entrepreneurs squarely within the entrepreneurship domain and identify an extensive research agenda.…”

Cross-border entrepreneurship in a global world: a critical reconceptualisation

“…Cumming et al (2009) (Patel and Conklin, 2009;Riddle et al, 2010;Urbano et al, 2011). Other transnational studies have taken the perspective of the expatriates, and their entrepreneurial activities (Connelly, 2010).…”

“…This type of international opportunity discovery does not require an individual to be an immigrant to the country of residence. Any individual, even native to the local country of residence, who travelled regularly to a specific context, lived there for a period of time or otherwise obtained insights into the foreign context, may obtain the necessary expertise to identify gaps in the local marketplace (Connelly, 2010).…”

“…For immigrant entrepreneurs, this relates to the migrant's country of origin, but it can as well apply for any other entrepreneur who is knowledgeable about a foreign context. Expatriates for example have lived for longer periods of time in different contexts and possess the knowledge and contacts that enable them to engage in business activities across borders (Connelly, 2010). Int of these contexts , they identify advantageous opportunities corresponding to their novel knowledge or skills.…”

“…While regular presence and direct management remain important, the entrepreneur to a large extent relies on a strong social network in the foreign country (Salaff et al, 2003). But individuals who are not natives of this context can similarly develop their business through social connections obtained through sustained contact (Connelly, 2010). The social network established in the foreign country either through previous familiar links or through new business contacts thus supports the activity despite the entrepreneur's absence.…”