The Perceived ‘Double Disadvantage’ of Gender and Ethnicity: A Capabilities Perspective of Rapidly Internationalising Female Immigrant Entrepreneurs in the UK

Abstract

The objective of this chapter is to help unpack the performance-enhancing role of certain capabilities that influence the decision of female immigrant entrepreneurs to rapidly internationalise. It employs a capabilities perspective of the broader resource-based theory and contributes to existing research involving capabilities that facilitate or inhibit rapid internationalisation. One strand of earlier literature highlights a potential ‘double disadvantage’ among particular female immigrant entrepreneurs associated with gender and ethnicity. An alternative strand of prior research identifies certain gender and ethnic resources/capabilities like cultural knowledge that can provide potential advantages. Findings from interviews with 11 female immigrant entrepreneurs that migrated to the UK, and selected secondary data, form an instrumental case study. New insights emerge regarding the potential role of appropriate stakeholders in transforming operational capabilities to those of a threshold or potentially dynamic nature. The findings suggest that generalisation should not occur regarding earlier literature investigating practices in other sectors.

Citation

Chaudhry, S., Crick, D. and Crick, J.M. (2023), "The Perceived ‘Double Disadvantage’ of Gender and Ethnicity: A Capabilities Perspective of Rapidly Internationalising Female Immigrant Entrepreneurs in the UK", Jafari-Sadeghi, V. and Amoozad Mahdiraji, H. (Ed.) Decision-Making in International Entrepreneurship: Unveiling Cognitive Implications Towards Entrepreneurial Internationalisation (Entrepreneurial Behaviour Series), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 31-47. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80382-233-420231002