Family heterogeneity and migrant entrepreneurship

Abstract

Family can play various roles in the entrepreneurial process of migrants; yet the literature tends to consider family as a homogeneous unit. In reality, families comprise different structures ranging from a nuclear family to an extended family. Furthermore, given that migrant entrepreneurs may have family in their countries of origin as well as often in their countries of residence, we should consider that the notion of family and its influence can vary from one country to another. In this chapter, we aim to better understand the role of family heterogeneity in starting a new venture by migrant entrepreneurs by looking into family functions. We address the following research questions: (i) What family functions are present in the countries of origin and residence in the process of migrant entrepreneurs starting a new venture and (ii) How do such functions facilitate or hinder the new venture? The chapter proposes three family functions – or family ways of working – that facilitate the new venture-creation process: (i) changing family responsibilities; (ii) family acting as a catalyser; and (iii) family acting as bedrock. These functions are not static features; they are processes influencing the venture-creation process. Family functions change as needed during the venture-creation process. Such changes, however, are limited to the pool of resources available to the migrant entrepreneur and his or her family in the countries of origin and residence.