Identity and difference - re-thinking UK South Asian entrepreneurship

Purpose: This paper, which is part of a larger study, discusses from an ethno-cultural perspective, the notion of self-identification and difference pertaining to first and second-generation South Asian male entrepreneurs. In essence, previous studies have not explored this dimension to any sufficient depth. Therefore, evidence is unclear as to how ethno-culture has informed entrepreneurial identity and difference.
Design/methodology/approach: Adopting a phenomenological research paradigm, 42 semi-structured interviews were conducted with first and second-generation Sikh and Pakistani Muslim male entrepreneurs in Greater London. A typology of second-generation entrepreneurs is developed and a research agenda proposed.
Findings: First-generation respondents regard the UK as home, and do not suffer from shifts in identity. These particular respondents identify themselves as Sikh, or Pakistani Muslim, or a Businessman. However, the second-generation identify themselves via three distinct labels. Here respondents stress their ethnicity by using Hyphenated British identities, or hide their ethnicity behind the term a Normal Businessman, or appear opportunists by using ethnicity as a resource to espouse a True Entrepreneurial identity.
Research limitations/implications: The research environment within the Greater London area where the respondents are located may not be as generalisible when compared with other parts of the UK.
Originality/value: This paper offers a unique insight into self-prescribed identity and difference noted among London’s ethnic entrepreneurs.

This is the accepted version of the manuscript "Identity and difference - re-thinking UK South Asian entrepreneurship", forthcoming/published in the journal "Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy" available via the journal site at: https://doi.org/10.1108/jec-04-2016-0012. This article is © Emerald Publishing Limited and permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

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