Socio‐demographic factors and network configuration among MENA entrepreneurs

Abstract

PurposeThe field of entrepreneurship has seen a dramatic increase in studies focusing on networks and relations. Research in this area has thus far focused on how the structure and quality of entrepreneurs' existing interpersonal ties shape information access and thereby influence entrepreneurial outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to extend the focus further by examining how the entrepreneur's socio‐demographic profile affects advisory network configuration in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) context.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors used Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) data, at the individual level (total early‐stage entrepreneurial activities) in 14 countries within the MENA region over the course of three years (2009, 2010 and 2011). The sample of networks is obtained from the entrepreneurs identified among the adults interviewed in the adult population survey of GEM participating countries from the MENA region.FindingsStrong evidence was found that socio‐demographic variables such as gender, age, income and education have an impact on the usage of advice‐seeking networks by entrepreneurs across MENA. For instance, the findings suggest that women entrepreneurs in the MENA region tend to rely more on personal networks compared to male entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThe paper's contribution is novel in providing empirical evidence exposing the interplay between socio‐demographic factors, new venture start‐up phases, to entrepreneurial networks. Prospective scholarly research need to improve our understanding about the effects of network evolution on the entrepreneurial trajectory, as well to develop a greater understanding on how, when and why MENA‐based entrepreneurial networks emerge, develop and change over time.

Employment creation in Kenya: exploring the Jua Kali enterprises

“…Perhaps the increasing age comes with more experience and knowhow in entrepreneurship as opposed to those of lower age group/s. The outcome validates the findings of Huang et al (2013) based on studies conducted in Middle East and North Africa. The aforementioned found that there is a strong interplay between age and entrepreneurs' ability to tap into advice-seeking networks.…”

The influence of the physical work environment of business centres on social networking and knowledge sharing in the Netherlands

“…age, gender, work experience, education level) are also potentially important for explaining knowledge sharing behaviour. For example, previous research showed that male entrepreneurs more often discuss their work (share tacit knowledge) during interactions and have a larger business network than female entrepreneurs (Pangil and Nadurdin 2008;Klyver and Grant 2010;Zengyu Huang et al 2013). On the other hand, other studies did not find any relation between gender and knowledge sharing behaviour (Alhammad, Al Faori, and Abu Husan 2009).…”

“…On the other hand, other studies did not find any relation between gender and knowledge sharing behaviour (Alhammad, Al Faori, and Abu Husan 2009). In addition, findings of the study by Zengyu Huang et al (2013) suggest that people who are higher educated are more likely to use a professional network for advice, women are more likely to use personal networks than men and early stage entrepreneurs are more likely to use advice-seeking networks than later stage entrepreneurs.…”

Location Type Choice for Face-to-Face Interactions in Business Centers

“…Overall, the main purpose of this research is to analyze the location type choice for face-to-face interactions between users in business centers by testing the above set of hypotheses. To test the hypothesized relations, we control for differences in personal and work-related characteristics (e.g., age, gender, education level, organization type), which can also be related to interaction behavior (e.g., Greve & Salaff, 2003; Klyver & Grant, 2010; Zengyu Huang, Nandialath, Alsayaghi, & Karadeniz, 2013).…”