VII-S4

SUMMARY

VALUES AS A FACTOR IN ETHNIC ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A COMPARISON OF SEVEN SUB-CULTURES

Michael H. Morris, University of Hawaii
Minet Schindehutte, Miami University

Principal Topic

Entrepreneurship is inherently a value-laden pursuit. Entrepreneurial activity can be found in all societies, under any political or economic system, and within every social/cultural/religious context. Yet, entrepreneurship seems to flourish where values such as competition, individualism, wealth generation, personal gain, a strong work ethic, acceptance of change, and economic advancement are prevalent. However, such values are not universal. Moreover, many ethnic groups hold unique values, such as the emphasis on courage among some Native American tribes, the longer perspective on time held by the Xhosa in South Africa, the primacy placed on asset sharing among indigenous Australians, and the Japanese emphasis on honor and the extended family. As entrepreneurship is increasingly viewed as the prime vehicle for economic development throughout the world, understanding the implications of culturally-based values for the successful creation and growth of entrepreneurial ventures becomes critical.

Method

Surveys were directed at samples of thirty entrepreneurs each from the following seven ethnic groups within the State of Hawaii: Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian. A questionnaire was designed to measure key values in the personal and professional lives of entrepreneurs, and to assess relationships between strongly held values and a number of operating decisions within the entrepreneur’s venture. ANOVA tests were used to test for differences among sub-cultures, while correlation analysis was employed to test for associations between values and entrepreneurial practices.

Results and Implications

The results indicate that, while the entrepreneurs share a number of common values, differences exist in terms of the most salient values based on ethnicity. Moreover, the tendency to hold certain ethnic values is associated with the entrepreneur’s approach to the venture, including decision variables that reflect risk-taking, growth orientation, involvement of family, and innovation. Implications exist in terms of the need for new conceptualizations of ethnic entrepreneurship, for public policy and economic development efforts, and for entrepreneurial training.

CONTACT: Michael Morris, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822; (T) 808-956-6044; (F) 808-956-9886; Morris@cba.hawaii.edu