Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Management

Advisor

Karin Mae

Abstract

Although considerable concern exists regarding immigrant businesses, few studies address immigrant small business owners' strategies for success and sustainability. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the strategies that immigrant small business owners in metro Atlanta, Georgia can use to sustain their business beyond 5 years. Cultural theory formed the conceptual framework for this study. A purposeful sample of 20 immigrant small business owners in metro Atlanta provided the data garnered from semistructured interviews for this research study. Using open coding, and modified van Kaam analysis of the interview data, 5 themes emerged for immigrant small businesses that were successful and survived beyond 5 years: strong work ethic and family dynamics, flexibility and independence, limited societal barriers, business experience, persistence and great customer service. Two themes emerged among immigrant small business owners whose businesses failed, which were, inadequate financial posture, and poor business and managerial knowledge. The findings of this study may contribute to social change as the strategies presented could guide new immigrants in establishing successful and sustainable immigrant small businesses. Results from this study could help educate small business owners about some of the causes of business failures.

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