Characterisation of Black African entrepreneurship in the UK: a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a general characterisation of entrepreneurial orientations of Black Africans in the UK. Design/methodology/approach – Methodological appropriateness rather than orthodoxy was fundamental in the design of this research. A combination of idiosyncratic and multiplicative sampling strategy was applied in a discovery-oriented context. Research questions were adapted from the attribution questions frequently used in related studies. In consideration of the exploratory nature of this work, a connected narrative approach was used in presenting the results. Data collection was undertaken in London. Findings – Observes that many Black Africans embarked on entrepreneurship more to escape ethnic penalties than a strategic response to the structure of environmental opportunities. Thus, this “escapist mindset” has meant that inadequate initial preparations have tended to characterise the small businesses they operate. Recognises that whilst a pattern of market concentration is discernible at the co-ethnic level (i.e. first entry market), there is little evidence of strategic evolution towards mainstreaming or the attainment of sectoral aggregation either at national or regional level. Research limitations/implications – Data collection was limited to London-non-Black African entrepreneurs were excluded. Therefore, care should be taken in making generalisations from the sample. Practical implications – Many African-owned businesses are failure-prone and in need of strategic interventions in order to secure their growth and sustainability. Originality/value – Highly valuable with very little research completed to date on this topic.