Institutional Logics Among Returnee Entrepreneurs: A Study of the Vietnamese Information Technology Industry

Abstract

Returnee entrepreneurs are unique actors spanning between different environments. When coming back to their home countries to start new ventures, they inevitably face challenges in reconciling different logics from their home and host countries. The interplay of these different logics creates institutional complexity. This paper examines the interplay of multiple logics induced from home and host countries and the entrepreneurs’ responses to this situation. Multiple in-depth interviews with returnee entrepreneurs in the information technology industry in Vietnam have revealed that the entrepreneurs configure market and innovation logics among three sets of practices, including product/market, internal capacity, and reactions to institutional constraints. Four strategic responses to institutional complexity, namely non-learner, adaptor, camouflager, and innovator were also identified. Furthermore, this study finds the entrepreneurs’ strategic responses and their active influence on local institutions upon their return. Relevant implications and recommendations are also discussed.