Transnational Entrepreneurship and the Role of Cultural Distance: Case Study Research on African Transnational Entrepreneurs

Abstract

Purpose: While transnational entrepreneurship research considers its transcultural dimension, the role of vast cultural distance is largely ignored. Thus, this paper focuses on the following research question: how do the (cross-)cultural peculiarities of transnational entrepreneurship – in the light of cultural distance – influence the business development of transnational entrepreneurs? Design/methodology/approach: The paper employs a qualitative empirical design that rests on case study research framed by the ‘Gioia’ method. Findings: The paper identifies specific cultural challenges, cross-cultural drivers and general assets impacting transnational business developments in the case of vast cultural distance as aggregate dimensions. Implications: Transnational entrepreneurship in cultural distant settings has to be particularly aware of personal adversities between transnational entrepreneurs and host country people, the role of transnational networks, as well as the role of hope and resilience of entrepreneurs. Originality/value: The findings contribute to literature through specifying the role of personal discrimination, a specific network category called ‘transnational networks’ and stabilizing factors like resilience and hope.

Keywords

• transnational entrepreneurship
• transcultural entrepreneurship
• cultural distance
• resilience
• hope