Transmission of entrepreneurial
spirit from first to second
generation ethnic minorities
in Montreal
Opening paths for further researches
Sebastien Arcand
Department of Management, HEC Montreal, Montreal, Canada
Abstract
Purpose – Very little research has been conducted on the specific topic of intergenerational
transmission of the entrepreneurial spirit. The current study aims to elucidate the concept of
entrepreneurial spirit. The purpose of this paper is to identify the main factors that influence sons and
daughters of immigrant entrepreneurs in their decisions to take over from their parents or start new
businesses.
Design/methodology/approach – Semi-directed interviews with the children of immigrants
(aged 18 to 35) have been conducted in the area of Montreal. Their parents are or were entrepreneurs
and the interviews focused on how interviewees perceive entrepreneurship.
Findings – Ethno-cultural background does not play a significant role in this transmission. Parents
do not have a direct influence on the development of an entrepreneurial spirit among their offspring.
Interviewees identify more with an “open culture” rather than with a specific ethnic identity.
Research limitations/implications – The data must be subjected to other types of analysis and
methodologies. Studies in other contexts must also be conducted in order to compare the findings.
Practical implications – The paper raises the importance of working on opening existing
institutions to these second generation entrepreneurs, rather than to favour the creation of specific
institutions based on ethnic identity. Entrepreneurship empowerment among second-generation
immigrants should focus on new possibilities rather than on perpetuating traditional niches occupied
by ethnic minority entrepreneurs.
Originality/value – The paper focuses on the manner in which an entrepreneurial spirit is
transmitted to the second generation. This study is grounded in the social processes that trigger
business creation and the transmission of an entrepreneurial spirit among ethnic minority groups.
Keywords Canada, Entrepreneurialism, Immigrants, Family, Entrepreneurship,
Ethno-cultural minorities, Entrepreneurial spirit
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Being in business constitutes an everyday challenge and while many are called, few
can boast of being chosen. But really, what does it mean to succeed in business? Is it
making your company grow in size and numbers? Is it a way to ensure a degree of
economic and emotional stability for oneself and one’s family over a number of years?
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/1750-6204.htm
The author wants to thank the Fond que
´
be
´
cois de la recherche
´
sur la socie
´
te
´
et la culture (FQRSC)
for its support.
Transmission of
entrepreneurial
spirit
39
Received 14 December 2010
Revised 6 May 2011,
11 July 2011,
25 October 2011
Accepted 31 October 2011
Journal of Enterprising Communities:
People and Places in the Global
Economy
Vol. 6 No. 1, 2012
pp. 39-56
q Emerald Group Publishing Limited
1750-6204
DOI 10.1108/17506201211210993