The role of networks in opportunity identification: a focus on African transnational entrepreneurs

Aluko, O. ORCID: 0000-0002-4107-5194, Siwale, J. ORCID: 0000-0002-6315-0896 and Simba, A. ORCID: 0000-0002-0276-8211, 2020. The role of networks in opportunity identification: a focus on African transnational entrepreneurs. International Review of Entrepreneurship, 17 (4), pp. 407-428. ISSN 2009-2822

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Abstract

There is a growing body of work which highlights the importance of Transnational Entrepreneurs (TEs) as catalysts for economic development in both their home and host countries. However, their opportunity identification predispositions are less understood. Thus, this study explores the nature and practices of TEs of African origin and it also focuses on how they identify viable business opportunities in their host countries. In addition, the study defines the role networks play in assisting them to achieve their business objectives. Through its application of social network constructs for data collection and analysis, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on TEs. Specifically, it provides new insights into the way TEs of African origin living in the UK identify and exploit business opportunities. Its key findings indicate that the human capital of TEs (in particular their host country work experience), active search, and their use of family and kinship networks underpins the way they identify opportunities in a foreign country. However, perhaps the most remarkable finding of this study is that, while TEs employ both formal and informal network ties in their host countries, they seem to rely exclusively on their informal networks in their home countries.

Item Type: Journal article
Publication Title: International Review of Entrepreneurship
Creators: Aluko, O., Siwale, J. and Simba, A.
Publisher: Senate Hall Academic Publishing
Date: 6 April 2020
Volume: 17
Number: 4
ISSN: 2009-2822
Identifiers:
NumberType
1293858Other
Divisions: Schools > Nottingham Business School
Record created by: Linda Sullivan
Date Added: 30 Mar 2020 10:53
Last Modified: 31 May 2021 15:04
URI: https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/39509

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