Immigrants’ entrepreneurial intentions: acculturation-based socio-psychological lens

Abstract

The past few decades have witnessed an increase in individuals leaving their country of origin, settling, and pursuing venture creation opportunities in different parts of the world. However, despite anecdotal evidence, little theoretical attention has focused on understanding how exposure to another culture shapes the entrepreneurial intent of immigrant individuals. We integrate insights from acculturation, entrepreneurship, and social identity literature to illustrate how acculturation impacts immigrants’ entrepreneurial cognitions and motivations, influencing their perceived feasibility and desirability of starting new ventures. We bring to the fore the under-researched yet critically important psychological, cognitive, and social factors underlying immigrant entrepreneurship. We contribute to the acculturation and entrepreneurship literature, advancing implications for migrant policymaking.