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Composing a database of minority enterprises in Scotland: A discussion based on the concept of mixed embeddedness

Thoralf Dassler (Scottish Centre for Enterprise and Ethnic Business Research (SCEEBR), Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh, UK)
Claire Seaman (Scottish Centre for Enterprise and Ethnic Business Research (SCEEBR), Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh, UK)
Richard Bent (Scottish Centre for Enterprise and Ethnic Business Research (SCEEBR), Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh, UK)
Lisa Lamb (Scottish Centre for Enterprise and Ethnic Business Research (SCEEBR), Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh, UK)
Nicola Mateer (Scottish Centre for Enterprise and Ethnic Business Research (SCEEBR), Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh, UK)

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research

ISSN: 1355-2554

Article publication date: 20 March 2007

749

Abstract

Purpose

To address the issue of the low take‐up of available ethnic business support the article proposes the composition of a database for Scotland, thereby providing baseline data on minority businesses and hence providing a sampling frame for future research. The database will hold the following information: name and gender of the business owner, sector, location, number of employees as an indicator of company size, generation, the year in which the business was established, as well as the legal form of ownership of businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The database draws from the concept of mixed embeddedness as well as the political agenda of the Scottish Executive for the sector. Data sources used are commercial databases, the Yellow Pages of Scotland, local business registers across Scotland, a telephone survey and personal contact/networking with businesses.

Findings

In order to facilitate the composition of a Scottish database of minority businesses, this article has looked at existing theories of minority business support and issues currently considered in the literature. Based on the literature underpinning research on ethnic minority firms, a justification for the proposed database has been developed, which provides a sampling frame in the Scottish context and allows for new approaches to research.

Research limitations/implications

Though 100 per cent coverage of minority businesses in Scotland is a desired target, complete coverage may not be achievable. Some business might simply not be interested in participating in the research and cannot, therefore, be included in the database despite the multi‐facet methodology applied.

Originality/value

By proposing a methodology for composing the database, the article tackles a long‐standing issue in the area of ethnic business research. It is hoped that the database will improve understanding among policy makers and support organisations, in terms of the particular needs of individual businesses. Consequently, the better understanding should account for a more tailored and more attractive support, which, in turn, improves the take‐up of existing mechanisms.

Keywords

Citation

Dassler, T., Seaman, C., Bent, R., Lamb, L. and Mateer, N. (2007), "Composing a database of minority enterprises in Scotland: A discussion based on the concept of mixed embeddedness", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 107-123. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552550710736938

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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