Social Capital and the Networking Practices of Indigenous Entrepreneurs

Abstract

A comparative case study analysis has been undertaken on ustralian boriginal, native awaiians, and āori entrepreneurs. This work investigates the networking activities by these groups of indigenous entrepreneurs situated within a mixed minority (indigenous) and dominant (settler majority) urban cultural setting. The way in which indigenous entrepreneurs network to achieve their business aspirations suggests that the underlying social capital dimensions are unique to their cultural context. Five comparative characteristics also emerged from the data that assist the analysis. The research reveals how indigenous and potentially other minority ethnic entrepreneurs draw upon internal and external network ties that are related to the historical and cultural influence on social capital.

Notes

1. Snowballing is a technique whereby introductions are gained from initial sources and continually built upon (Jary & Jary 1995). Introductions to participants were sought initially from government agencies, chartered accounting firms, Chambers of Commerce, and other nongovernmental organization small business contacts.

2. (Verb) To welcome, invite, beckon, wave. (Noun) Invitation, rituals of encounter, welcome ceremony on a marae.

3. Courtyard—the open area in front of the wharenui, where formal greetings and discussions take place. Often also used to include the complex of buildings around the marae.

4. Mandurah—Hunter Indigenous Business Chamber; New South Wales Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce; Indigenous Business Council of Australia; South East Queensland Indigenous Chamber of Commerce; Kinaway—Victorian Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce; The Australian Indigenous Chamber of Commerce; Pilbara Aboriginal Contractors Association Inc.

5. iwi means “people” or “folk”; in many contexts, it may mean “tribe,” “clan,” or group and sometimes a conglomeration of Māori tribes.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dennis Foley

Dennis Foley is Professor Indigenous Studies, School of Humanities and Social Science, University of Newcastle, Australia.

Allan John O'connor

Allan John O’Connor is Postgraduate Academic Director at the Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation and Innovation Centre, The University of Adelaide, Australia.