| dc.description.abstract | This qualitative study investigates the key individual motivational factors that influence refugees in Norway, specifically in the Agder region, to start their own ventures and become self-employed. The research question guiding this study focuses on understanding the motivations and experiences driving refugee entrepreneurship in the area. Through purposive sampling and in-depth interviews with refugee entrepreneurs, the study explores the factors that contribute to their decision to pursue self-employment. The findings reveal that refugees in Agder are driven by various factors, including economic opportunities, a desire for independence and self-actualization, and a need for a sense of belonging in their new community. However, the study acknowledges that discrimination and challenges in co-workspaces may also play a role in shaping their motivations. The research highlights a significant underrepresentation of female refugees among the self-employed or entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for further investigation and comparative studies on gender representation in this context. Additionally, the study identifies the influence of marital status on the entrepreneurial journey, showcasing the support provided by spouses in certain cases. The study concludes by recommending future research that addresses the limitations of this study, including the need for larger and more diverse samples, comparative analyses, and an exploration of the impact of marital status on entrepreneurial success. By considering these factors, future studies can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the motivations and experiences of refugee entrepreneurs in Norway.
Key words:
Refugees, immigration, immigrant entrepreneurship, Norway, Agder, diverse sample, purposive sampling, snowball sampling, qualitative research, thematic analysis, challenges, successes, generalizability, future research. | |