Co-ethnic-based resources: An investigation of the role of home country cultural contexts

Abstract

This research investigates the way ethnic migrant entrepreneurs (EMEs) utilize co-ethnic-based (CEB) resources in their entrepreneurial activities. According to some views, migrants are considered as disadvantaged individuals given their restricted opportunities in the labor market and in the business arena. Thus, migrants turn to other alternatives to obtain resources for their survival in the host country and these resources are often obtained through co-ethnic networks and linkages across borders. Based on Bourdieu’s (1986) Forms of Capital model and employing a qualitative approach, EMEs from three migrant communities in Malaysia (specifically, the Indonesian, Pakistani and Korean communities) were chosen as samples in this study, and their situations compared. This study’s findings indicate a moderating role of home country cultural contexts in influencing the way community resources are utilized in the host country. This study provides a theoretical contribution through further understanding of co-ethnic resources using the Forms of Capital model. A practical implication of this paper lies in the indication of migrants’ usage of alternative routes for resources through co-ethnic networks.