The role of personal networks in the growth aspirations of ethnic minority female entrepreneurs : the contrasting and comparable experiences of first and second generation female entrepreneurs of Pakistani origin in the UK

This comparative study explores the personal networks-of immigrant and British born Pakistani female entrepreneurs in relation to their growth aspirations, in a pluralistic context of London. Stereotypically, assumptions about low growth orientations characterize ethnic minority female entrepreneurs who are presented as being 'doubly-disadvantaged' because of their association with a minority group and gender. These views overlook the diversity within ethnic groups resulting in a failure to comprehend their varied and unique experiences. This study addresses the hitherto ignored inter-group (geographical categorisation) and intra-group (generational) differences between ethnic minority entrepreneurs. It proposes an embedded view of the entrepreneur where her personal network and growth orientations are socially constructed. Growth is a personal choice that emerges through meanings attached to the diverse social relationships. These meanings are explored through a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were carried out to generate data and the results around pertinent themes were produced using grounded theory methods. Results shows that growth is the 'preference' of ethnic minority entrepreneurs where their personal networks are a product of an ongoing socio-spatial dialectic. Both immigrants and British born female entrepreneurs use. normative frameworks in constructing their personal networks where the former emphasize ethnicity while the latter anchors around religion. The fluid ethnic and pervasive religious boundaries shape their personal networks over time. Growth is not the default outcome of a special type of network rather it mainly depends on the choices made by Pakistani female entrepreneurs. These choices arise from a variety of intentional and unintended processes where mistrust plays a key role in the introduction of weak ties and expansion of networks. It offers new insights into ethnic minority entrepreneurship by explaining the subjective manifestations of the growth aspirations and their two way relationship with personal networks.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo