Supports and challenges from entrepreneurial ecosystems in Finland for migrant women entrepreneurs and their decision-making processes

Abstract

Purpose: This thesis aims to study how the Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (EEs) in Finland will affect Migrant Women Entrepreneurs (MWEs) and the decision-making (DM) processes of them, and whether it will support and challenge them.

Methodology: This thesis uses qualitative methods and conducts semi-structured interviews with several MWEs in Finland, analyses different decision-making processes and styles, then discusses how EEs in Finland support or challenge MWEs and their DM processes.

Findings: Playing a dual role in the Finnish Entrepreneur Ecosystems, language, social recognition and cultural differences both support and challenge MWEs. Meanwhile, the Finnish EEs also affect MWEs’ decision-making processes in the aspect of decision-making styles, business analysis methods and the access to the ecosystems.

Practical implications: It is suggested that more detailed policies, legislation and support should be provided in a detailed version in English, such as taxation and union support. And more networking and market validation services should be provided. It is also suggested to enhance the awareness that people should have an open mind for foreigners to work and live here and those who have professional skills.

Originality: Many prior studies focus on disadvantages and obstacles for MWEs from EEs, while few research about the dual role of them. In terms of the impact from EEs on decision-making processes and styles, there are few studies on immigrant entrepreneurs whose gender is female. Thus, this paper fills the research gap in studying the impact of Finnish EEs on MWEs from the perspective of the decision-making processes, and takes Finland as a case study.