Ethnicity and Entrepreneurial Motive Differences: A South African Case Study

Abstract

South Africa is often referred to as the rainbow nation because of its diversity in race, culture, ethnicity, language and other social discriminants. Meanwhile, diversity usually reflects in behaviour, attitudes and other human characteristics. Thus, ethnic diversity in South Africa should expectedly reflect in the entrepreneurial behaviour, attitudes, and motives of the different ethnic groups. This research explored the entrepreneurial motives of four ethic groups in a local municipality of South Africa to determine if there are significant differences. In this study, survey data was used to compare the motives that Tswanas, Afrikaners, Coloureds and Indians assign for engaging in entrepreneurial activities. The findings indicate that the four ethic groups differ significantly in entrepreneurial motives. Based on the findings, the researchers make recommendations to guide government, NGOs, development practitioners and all interested parties for promoting entrepreneurship among the different ethnic groups in South Africa. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n14p228