Author: Glenice J. Wood

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Published: 2012-01-01

Total Pages: 229

ISBN-13: 1781002428

'In their powerful presentation of Minorities in Entrepreneurship, the authors go beyond the traditional definitions of entrepreneurship to enhance our understanding of minority groups whether they be younger, older, women, ethnic, immigrant, LGB, disabled or indigenous. The book provides a new perspective on the driving forces in becoming a business owner and the "push" and "pull" factors within and across groups. Enhanced by in-depth case studies of members in each group, the study is a valuable contribution to the understanding of all venture owners, a rich reference source for scholars, and a worthwhile book of readings for students in the fields of entrepreneurship and gender and diversity.' Dorothy Perrin Moore, The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, US 'There are books on minorities and there are books on entrepreneurship, but there are no books combining the two and amongst a wide range of minorities in society. This truly is a novel and innovative work, and should be essential reading for all interested this topic.' Cary L. Cooper, CBE, Lancaster University Management School, UK Although there is an expanding body of literature on the characteristics, aspirations, motivations, challenges and barriers of mainstream entrepreneurs, relatively little is known about whether these findings can be applied to the entrepreneurial activities of minority groups. This book addresses this short-fall and presents an international review of the characteristics, motivations and obstacles of eight minority groups: younger; older, women; ethnic; immigrant; lesbian; gay and bisexual, disabled; and indigenous entrepreneurs. The expert contributors discover enormous variability between these minority groups, such as in the motivators that either 'pushed' or 'pulled' individuals into an entrepreneurial venture, as well as diverse attitudes toward 'success': some groups wanted to achieve financial security others wanted to enhance their sense of self-worth, or to change existing social and economic circumstances. However, some striking similarities were noted: initial disadvantage often created a powerful impetus to starting up a business venture, and accessing finance was extremely difficult for many. Including comparative cross cultural data and case studies on the various minority groups reviewed, both post graduate students and undergraduate students studying entrepreneurship will find this book an invaluable resource. In addition, it will also be of interest to policy makers, governments and all those who wish to comprehend the nature of small business ownership for a wide range of minority business owners.