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Article
Bridging Voids: Constraints on Hispanic Entrepreneurs Building Social Capital
International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business
  • Ruth Clarke, Nova Southeastern University
  • Ramdas Chandra
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2011
Abstract/Excerpt

This study uses social capital theory and strategic entrepreneurship theory to examine the extent to which Hispanic immigrant entrepreneurs create and employ social capital in their firms. Using a modified instrument originally created by the World Bank to measure social capital, we evaluate the amount and different dimensions of social capital possessed by a sample of entrepreneurs with mid to small-sized businesses in a limited geographic area within the USA. We find low levels of social capital among our respondents. To the extent that social capital exists, the majority of it seems to be derived from Hispanic sources rather than non-Hispanic sources. Further, we find some limited evidence that non-Hispanic driven social capital positively affects growth and internationalisation. In light of these findings we discuss the issue of bridging and social capital development.

DOI
10.1504/IJESB.2011.042725
Disciplines
Citation Information
Ruth Clarke and Ramdas Chandra. "Bridging Voids: Constraints on Hispanic Entrepreneurs Building Social Capital" International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Vol. 14 Iss. 2 (2011) p. 286 - 302 ISSN: 1476-1297
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/ruth-clarke/40/