The expatriate entrepreneur: Drivers to migrate to South Africa

Abstract

Orientation: Expatriate entrepreneurs (EEs) willingly seek to relocate abroad independently and belong to the self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) group. They possess the classic behavioural characteristics of entrepreneurs, have the propensity to embrace risk and uncertainty and have high self-efficacy and control while seeking opportunities to initiate business development.

Research purpose: This study explores the drivers behind EEs’ decisions to migrate to South Africa.

Motivation for the study: The global demand for talent remains the most crucial issue facing many countries. South Africa must attract EE’s to grow the economy as they will start their businesses and provide employment.

Research approach/design and method: The research philosophy used in the study was interpretivism. A qualitative methodology adopting snowball sampling was used to identify focus groups, as no reliable records existed. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyse the data collected.

Main findings: Drivers to migrate included infrastructure development, business and trade, education, family problems, political instability and the desire to travel abroad.

Practical/managerial implications: Expatriate entrepreneurs should acquire the knowledge and understanding of the local culture to help them integrate into South African society. Expatriate entrepreneurs and their families should be willing to learn and speak the local dialects, especially isiXhosa and isiZulu. The Department of Home Affairs needs to make the acquisition of permits and visas less problematic.

Contribution/value-add: The study examines EEs who choose to live and start their own businesses abroad by exploring the drivers behind North-South mobility on the African continent.