Exploring network typology and their role in immigrant entrepreneurship: insights from South Africa

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Authors

Fubah, Clavis Nwehfor
Moos, Menisha

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Emerald

Abstract

PURPOSE : This study aims to explore network typology and the role of networks in immigrant entrepreneurs’ (IEs) business operations in South Africa (SA). DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : In-depth interviews were carried out with 25 IEs operating their business ventures in SA, selected via the purposive sampling method. FINDINGS : The findings indicated that IEs in SA use social networks most often, with minimal use of international business networks. In addition, the findings showed that IE networks’ key roles include providing them with access to referrals and resource provision. However, whilst resource provision emerged as a significant role, finance appeared as the main resource provided by networks. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this original paper provided theoretical and empirical contributions to research on network typology and its role for IEs. Thus, the study extended the current literature on the intersection of IEs and their networking behaviours.

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Keywords

Immigrant entrepreneurship, Immigrant entrepreneurs, Network, Emerging economy, South Africa (SA), Resource dependence theory, SDG-08: Decent work and economic growth

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG-08:Decent work and economic growth

Citation

Fubah, C.N. and Moos, M. (2025), "Exploring network typology and their role in immigrant entrepreneurship: insights from South Africa", Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, Vol. 19 No. 2, pp. 202-224. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEC-07-2023-0138.