Resource Mobilization through Ethnic Networks

Abstract

Shopkeepers have social networks composed of ties to many others: Family, friends, customers, suppliers, employees, and moneylenders. We examine how ties to family and friends affect three aspects of entrepreneurship for Asian and white shop owners in four English cities: Business foundings, business success, and business turnover. Social ties are important for all three processes in both groups. An implication of our research is that the comparative study of immigrant and native groups shifts the focus from group differences to group similarities. Studies examining only immigrants may find apparently distinctive characteristics, but, in fact, many traits are common to all small-business owners, given the turbulent environment they face.