Informal Practices of Ethnic Entrepreneurs Operating Micro Sized Enterprises

This research aims to develop a more nuanced understanding of informal practices that have manifested specifically in the operations of South Asian entrepreneurs operating micro sized enterprises. This research focuses on the experiences of entrepreneurs and the enterprises they operate in order to explore and comprehend the boundaries of informality and illegality. The study is underpinned by structuration theory, i.e. agency, the actions of entrepreneurs, and structure, internal and external influences that promote entrepreneurs to engage in informal activities. To support the focus on the enterprises of respondents, I created a Hexagon model canvas that is utilised to present the operations of micro enterprises which assists in demonstrating the integration of informal practices. A qualitative inductive approach was incorporated to gather data through semi-structured and unstructured interviews, and conversations with South Asian entrepreneurs operating micro sized enterprises within South Yorkshire. A thematic data analysis enabled the production of themes such as employment and health and safety that revolve around cash transactions. Findings suggest that the above types of activities and the avoidance of regulations has become an integral aspect of business operations that manifest as informal practices. In addition to the creation of the Hexagon model canvas to analyse business models, this research proposes an enterprise framework that highlights five specific types of micro sized enterprises owned and managed by South Asian entrepreneurs. This research also includes entrepreneurial concepts that demonstrates South Asian entrepreneurs are predominantly opportunity driven and operate either Type 2, The Legal Enterprise with Marginal Illegal Activity, or Type 3, The Opportunistic Enterprise.