The changing role of ethnic entrepreneurs in Australia

This research looks at the changing role of ethnic small business in Australia by studying three generations over a period of time. The first generation was found to be positively associated with 'push' motivations, and the second and third generations to be positively associated with 'pull' motivations. All three generations of ethnic entrepreneurs were positively associated with the use of 'productive diversity principles' (use of language, ethnic skills, resources and networks for economic benefit) and this study reveals that 65% of the respondents had made use of productive diversity principles for entering into and succeeding in small business. The paper demonstrates a significant motivating factor in the form of productive diversity principles.