Exploring network typology and their role in immigrant entrepreneurship: insights from South Africa

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to explore network typology and the role of networks in immigrant entrepreneurs’ (IEs) business operations in South Africa (SA). Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews were carried out with 25 IEs operating their business ventures in SA, selected via the purposive sampling method. Findings The findings indicated that IEs in SA use social networks most often, with minimal use of international business networks. In addition, the findings showed that IE networks’ key roles include providing them with access to referrals and resource provision. However, whilst resource provision emerged as a significant role, finance appeared as the main resource provided by networks. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this original paper provided theoretical and empirical contributions to research on network typology and its role for IEs. Thus, the study extended the current literature on the intersection of IEs and their networking behaviours.