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Paths of evolution for the Chinese migrant entrepreneurship: a multiple case analysis in Italy

Author

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  • Simone Guercini

    (University of Florence)

  • Matilde Milanesi

    (University of Florence)

  • Gabi Dei Ottati

    (University of Florence)

Abstract

Chinese diaspora is one of the most important areas in the field of immigrant entrepreneurship and the Chinese case is, for absolute numbers, entrepreneurship rates and scientific attention, one of the most significant phenomena in the world and in Italy. While much of the literature on the topic focuses on ethnic networks and social ties, there is a lack of studies that acknowledge the role of business networks in the later growth of migrant entrepreneurship, when the importance of social ties within the ethnic community diminishes. This paper tries to answer the following research question: Which is the role of ethnic networks and business networks in the path of evolution of Chinese migrant entrepreneurship? Thus, the paper analyses the structure and characteristics of ethnic networks and business networks and the role of each in the growth and evolution of Chinese migrant entrepreneurship. Our research considers business networks as the main focus of analysis that may replace social ties in consolidating insidership in new business settings and in finding new opportunities. A qualitative methodology is adopted, namely a multiple case study. Five cases of individual Chinese companies settled in a specific area are presented, for which the networks in which they are involved are traced and analysed. The case analysis shows that in the evolution of Chinese migrant entrepreneurship, ethnic networks are very important in the early phases of the business, but the role of cross-cultural business networks becomes relevant for further development. Implications—managerial and for policy makers—are highlighted and discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Simone Guercini & Matilde Milanesi & Gabi Dei Ottati, 2017. "Paths of evolution for the Chinese migrant entrepreneurship: a multiple case analysis in Italy," Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 15(3), pages 266-294, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:kap:jinten:v:15:y:2017:i:3:d:10.1007_s10843-017-0209-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10843-017-0209-0
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    2. Jalal El Fadil & Josée St-Pierre, 2023. "Identifying and Managing Risks Inherent to Cultural Differences in the Case of Production Internationalization," Business & Entrepreneurship Journal, SCIENPRESS Ltd, vol. 12(2), pages 1-1.
    3. Sinkovics, Noemi & Reuber, A. Rebecca, 2021. "Beyond disciplinary silos: A systematic analysis of the migrant entrepreneurship literature," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 56(4).
    4. Alessandro Arrighetti & Daniela Bolzani & Andrea Lasagni, 2017. "Acculturation and Ethnic Hybridism in Immigrant Entrepreneurship," Argomenti, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Department of Economics, Society & Politics, vol. 8(8), pages 1-22, September.
    5. Jiatao Li & Maria Tereza Leme Fleury, 2020. "Overcoming the liability of outsidership for emerging market MNEs: A capability-building perspective," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(1), pages 23-37, February.
    6. Kim, Daekwan & Choi, Kyuyeong & Jean, Ruey-Jer “Bryan” & Cadogan, John, 2020. "Ethno-national ties and international business opportunity exploitation: The role of environmental factors," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(4).
    7. Glinka, Beata & Glińska-Neweś, Aldona & Zakrzewska-Bielawska, Agnieszka, 2023. "A resource interaction perspective on resource use and development in migrant entrepreneur networks," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    8. Carlos Poblete, 2018. "Shaping the castle according to the rocks in the path? Perceived discrimination, social differences, and subjective wellbeing as determinants of firm type among immigrant entrepreneurs," Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 16(2), pages 276-300, June.
    9. G. G. Nalbandyan & V. H. Hovhannisyan, 2018. "The Impact Evaluation Of International Ethnic Ties On Industrial Companies’ Opportunity Exploitation When Entering Foreign Markets," Strategic decisions and risk management, Real Economy Publishing House, issue 4.

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