Ethnic enclaves in immigrant entrepreneurship: Korean immigrant entrepreneurship in Australia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Despite the fact that Korean immigrants show a higher tendency to become entrepreneurs, we know little about contexts, consequences, and implications of such facts due to the absence of academic research. Hence, this study aimed to learn about Korean immigrant entrepreneurship in Australia and to identify gaps in knowledge on the causes, processes, and impacts of Korean immigrant entrepreneurship on Australian society and communities. It was found that the motivations and challenges encountered by the Korean entrepreneurs in Australia are consistent with previous studies on immigrant entrepreneurship. There was clear evidence of enclaves formed by Korean immigrant entrepreneurs in Australia. Twenty years of longitudinal data show that the survival ratio of Korean immigrant entrepreneurship is higher than those of mainstream businesses. However, the lack of direct governmental supports or policies hinders their growth potential and further contributions to the wider Australian society and communities.