The power of bilingualism in the process of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition : a research dedicated towards exploring a knowledge gap by analyzing the effects of bilingualism on antecedents of entrepreneurial opp

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The Power of Bilingualism in the Process of

Entrepreneurial Opportunity Recognition

A research dedicated towards exploring a knowledge gap by

analyzing the effects of bilingualism on antecedents of

entrepreneurial opportunity recognition

MSc Entrepreneurship

University of Amsterdam

Faculty Economics and Business

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Faculty Economics and Business Administration

L. C. K. Pot

UvA 6069541 / VU 2607505

First supervisor;

Liang Zhao

Second supervisor; Tsvi Vinig

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Contents

Preface...

p.3

Abstract...

p.4

1. Introduction...

p.5

2. Theoretical Framework...

p.8

§2.1.2 Antecedents of Opportunity Recognition... p.9

§2.1.3 Bilingualism... p.9

§2.1.4 Effects of Bilingualism... p.9

§2 Knowledge Gap... p.11 §2.2.1Opportunity Recognition through the Lens of Bilingualism... p.11 §2.2.2 Antecedents through the Lens of Bilingualism... p.11

3. Methods...

p.14

§3.3.2 The Interview Conduction...,... p.16

§3.4 Data Analysis Strategy... p.16 §3.4.1‘The Bilinguals’...,... p.16

§3.4.2 ‘The Entrepreneurs’... p.17

§3.4.3 Notes and Axial Coding... p.17

4. Results...

p.18

§ 4.1 Sample Description... p.18 § 4.2 (I) A Bilingual’s Differing Creativity... p.19 § 4.2.1 Problem Solving ‘The Bilinguals’... p.19

§ 4.2.2 Creative Enrichment ‘The Bilinguals’... p.19

§ 4.2.3 Broad Orientation ‘The Bilinguals’... p.20

§ 4.2.4 Difference Creativity ‘The Entrepreneurs’... p.20

§ 4.2.5 Creativity In Sum... p.21 § 4.3 (II) A Bilingual’s Influenced Social Network... p.21 § 4.3.1 Social Network ‘The Bilinguals’... p.21

§ 4.3.2 Value Social Network ‘The Bilinguals’... p.21 § 4.3.3 Difference Social Network ‘The Entrepreneurs’... p.22 § 4.3.4 Networks In Sum... p.22

§ 4.4 (III) Prone to Recognizing Patterns as Bilingual... p.22 § 4.4.1 Cognitive Flexibility ‘The Bilinguals’... p.22

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§ 4.4.2 Recognizing Patterns ‘The Bilinguals’... p.23

§ 4.4.3 Ignoring Irrelevant Factors ‘The Bilinguals’... p.23

§ 4.4.4 Difference Recognizing Patterns ‘The Entrepreneurs’... p.23

§ 4.4.5 Recognizing Patterns In Sum... p.24

§ 4.5 (IV) Embeddedness Communities as a Bilingual………... p.24 § 4.5.1 Connection Culture B ‘The Bilinguals’... p.24

§ 4.5.2 Equality Connection Country A and B ‘The Bilinguals’... p.25

§ 4.5.3 Difference Embeddedness Communities‘Entrepreneurs’... p.25

§ 4.5.4 Communities In Sum... p.25

§ 4.6 (V) Use of Convenient Culture Mind Frame as Bilingual………....… p.26 § 4.6.1 Capability of Switching ‘The Bilinguals’... p.26

§ 4.6.2 Occurrence of Switching ‘The Bilinguals’... p.26

§ 4.6.3 Altered Being ‘The Bilinguals’... p.26

§ 4.6.4 Difference Convenient Culture Frame ‘Entrepreneurs’... p.27

§ 4.6.5 Switching Culture Frame in Sum... p.27

§ 4.7 Overarching Results……..……….……… p.27

5. Discussion...

p.29

6. Conclusion...

p.35

7. Bibliography...

p.37

8. Appendices...

p.40

Appendix 1. Code Structure Theme 1…...………...… p.40 Appendix 2. Code Structure Theme 2 ………...………..… p.44 Appendix 3. Code Structure Theme 3 …..………...……… p.50 Appendix 4. Code Structure Theme 4 .………...……….… p.51 Appendix 5. Code Structure Theme 5 .…..…….………...……… p.54 Appendix 6. Code Library ...……..………. p.57 Appendix 7. Interview Template Bilinguals…………...……… p.61 Appendix 8. Interview Template Bilingual Entrepreneur…………...………. p.65 Appendix 9. Interview Template Monolingual Entrepreneur... p.70

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Preface

Before you lies the master thesis “The Power of Bilingualism in the Process of

Entrepreneurial Opportunity Recognition”, a research which is based on in-depth interviews concerning relevant views and experiences on this matter. It entails interviews which were conducted with both bilinguals and entrepreneurs. It has been written with the purpose of fulfilling the graduation requirements of the MSc Entrepreneurship, a joint degree of the University of Amsterdam and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The process started on February 01 2017, the day I got assigned my supervisor.

The subject of research was inspired by my own bilingual upbringing, due to my

English mother and Dutch father. The interest for this subject combined with a certain curiosity towards entrepreneurial discoveries, formed the foundation of the current research question. At times the research proved difficult, but both extensive effort and support from fellow-students allowed me to answer the identified question.

I would like to thank my supervisor Liang Zhao for granting me the freedom to pursue my subject of choice, his swift communication and for trusting in my capabilities. To all participants in my research, I would like to thank you for dedicating your time and experiences towards the enabling of my research.

Besides this, I would like to acknowledge the benefits I experienced from being able to debate certain issues with friends. I would also like to thank my family for their moral support and keeping me motivated, especially my parents.

Lastly, I would like to mention that the copyright of this thesis rests with me. I am thus solely responsible for its content. Hence, neither of the universities can be held liable for the content of my thesis.

I hope you will enjoy your reading.

Lucia Pot

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Abstract

Within the field of entrepreneurship, there exists a large curiosity towards the discoveries of opportunities, one of the key features of the entrepreneurial process. Thus, many antecedents influencing the recognition of these opportunities have been explored. Although extensive research has been done in this area, it seems as though a subtle yet important influential matter has been overlooked, namely bilingualism. Being a thoroughly researched subject on its own, bilingualism has shown to encase several kinds of effects on individuals. In turn, these effects appear to find overlap with antecedents of opportunity recognition. Therefore, this study aims to find and define a linkage between these two fields of knowledge. Hence, it is the power of bilingualism in the process of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition which is to be explored. This is done by analyzing several antecedents of the recognition process through a bilingual lens, namely creativity, networks, cognitive processes and communities. To achieve this, in-depth interviews are conducted. Firstly, eight bilinguals are interviewed for their experiences and views. Following this, a bilingual and monolingual entrepreneur are interviewed for their comparability and professional views which add depth to the results. Consequently, the findings are analyzed by the use of a coding method. This analysis portrays that all antecedents are on some level influenced by bilingualism, however the intensity of this influence varies. Hence, a link between the two research fields appears existent. Conversely, findings implicate that when considered on its own, the bilingual influence on opportunity recognition is not likely to occur to its full potential. Consequently, the found bilingual influences are to be considered accelerators of existing matters such as talent and temperament, which serve as a person’s base for entrepreneurial talent.

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1.

Introduction

There exists a cultural obsession amongst people when it comes to entrepreneurs and their successes. Particularly accomplished entrepreneurs do not only achieve a celebrity status, they are also respected and seen as inspirational for their knowledge and extensive business

experience (Rutkin, 2015). This fascination has not been secluded to the eye of the general public, it has seeped through to the academic world and grabbed the attention of researchers towards entrepreneurs and their creations. It are the entrepreneurial discoveries that are most subject to curiosity, since current theories of entrepreneurship most commonly focus on the recognition of opportunities and the choice of exploitation (Acs, Braunerhjelm, Audretsch, and Carlsson, 2009). It is not surprising that these are the areas of entrepreneurship that are most exposed, since Zahra (2008) states that the key features of entrepreneurship are the discovery, definition and exploitation of opportunities. As a result, many researchers have attempted to identify factors that influence the recognition of such opportunities.

Consequently, within the field of entrepreneurship the identification of opportunities and its precursors is a widely studied, yet young research area. Whilst being a central concept within entrepreneurial research, opportunity recognition is also a representation of one of its most imperative and early aspects (Hills, Shrader and Lumpkin, 1999).

Hence, it is evident that the process of opportunity recognition is perceived to be a crucial matter within the entrepreneurial field, making scientist driven to gain extensive knowledge on the matter. For this reason it is a topic that crosses the boundaries of multiple units of observation and analysis, such as individuals, groups and enterprises (Audretsch, Thurik, Verheul, and Wennekers, 2002). When focusing the angle of analysis on the

individual, Thompson (2004) claims that people vary in their degree of both entrepreneurial talent and temperament when recognizing opportunities and starting new businesses. To improve on such abilities, technique-based training is mentioned as a possible means to accomplish this. Such training can improve on both talent and temperament to some extent, yet it can't create passion and drive (Thompson, 2004). In this sense, a phenomenon that might fulfill a similar role and is yet to be considered in light of this subject is bilingualism. Research suggests that bilingualism enhances a person’s executive control (Bialystok, 2011), generating higher regulation of thought and action in situations marked by planning and organized goal-directed intention (Brocki, 2007). Knowing that technique-based training is thought the both a compensator and accelerator of talent and temperament (Thompson,

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2004), makes it deem worthwhile to consider bilingualism for a similar effect. Although bilingualism as an occurrence on its own has been extensively studied for its effects and influences, the academic link to entrepreneurial endeavors is yet to be made. That being said, this relation has previously enjoyed attention in the media where it is suggested that mastering multiple languages causes a competitive advantage by widening one’s market and increasing communicative skills (Smith, 2015). Also, it is mentioned that mastering a second language improves creativity and keeps the mind sharp (Yorumlar, 2015), matters which are perceived as beneficial factors for entrepreneurs (O'connor and Rice, 2001).

Taking aboard both these statements and the previously mentioned argumentation,

leads to acknowledging a gap in the scientific literature due to the absence of research on this topic. Moreover, the potential connection detected is deserving of academic attention and therefore should not be subjected to a denigrating stance of scientists which leads to it being ignored. Especially since according to existing literature bilingual individuals have been known to show communicative, cognitive, cultural and economic advantages that are similar to certain antecedents of opportunity recognition (Wei, 2000; Dyer, Gregersen, and

Christensen, 2008). Consequently, this thesis provides research attempting to distinguish linkages between certain effects of bilingualism and the field of opportunity recognition. In this manner it is hoped that an appropriate foundation will be built to initiate the creation of an academic bridge that future scientists can cross to close this existing research gap. Hence, in the following chapters certain antecedents of opportunity recognition will be explored through the lens of bilingualism.

It is hoped that this research will contribute to the existing literature of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition by adding insight into the flexibility and sensitivity of the matter, caused by more unnoted factors such as bilingualism. Moreover, the research aspires to demonstrate the potential importance of such unexpected factors within the entrepreneurial field and thus introduce additional enabling elements to talent, temperament and training. Optimistically, the results will entice a higher level of awareness and curiosity towards less apparent accelerators of opportunity recognition and thus add a certain depth of value and understanding regarding the occurring discoveries. Besides this, in a practical sense the research hopes to introduce bilinguals to beneficial aspects of their own enhanced abilities, abilities which are mostly taken for granted due to the subtleness of their presence. Such enhanced awareness is hoped to result in a better use of talent when considering

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Therefore, the following main research question is stated; “What does it mean to be a bilingual individual in the entrepreneurial opportunity recognition process?”. This research question is to be answered by the combined consideration of several sub questions which are aimed at reflecting antecedents of opportunity recognition through the lens of bilingualism. For this reason, the degree to which a bilingual individual shows a different form or level of creativity is considered. The manner in which individuals feel that their social network is influenced by bilingualism is also reflected on in one of the sub question. Adding to this, the extent to which a bilingual individual feels that he or she is prone to recognizing patterns between unrelated stimuli is enlightened. Another sub question hoped to answer part of the main research question is whether the bilingual individuals feel embedded in more than one community. Lastly, attention is paid to the degree with which a bilingual individual converts to a convenient cultural frame of mind when a situation calls for it. The information produced by these sub questions is expected to create sufficient knowledge for forming an acceptable and clarifying answer to the main research question, which is continuously running

throughout the course of this thesis as the predominant theme.

The thesis will commence with the illumination of key constructs and theories in the conceptual framework. Following this, the research method used will be described in full detail, making the research both comprehendible and transparent. Subsequently, the examination of the gathered data will be presented in the results section, accompanied by notable quotes exemplifying certain angles of information. The results will be further

analyzed and given meaning to in the discussion. In order to complete the research a chapter will be devoted to a compact conclusion. In this chapter both the main findings of the research will be mentioned in relation to the research question, as will the main points of discussion.

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2. Theoretical Framework

In the following chapter, the key constructs relevant to the research will be clearly defined. Also, theoretical guidance and argumentation will be established, substantiating the main research question and its following sub questions.

§2.1 Key Constructs

§2.1.1 Opportunity Recognition

In order to explore a connection between bilingualism and opportunity recognition, it is imperative to be clear on the understanding of both concepts. Hence, it is firstly to be mentioned that opportunity recognition is an important phenomenon within the entrepreneurial process. It involves not only the discovery, but also the creation and

exploitation of opportunities (Venkataraman, 1997). Nonetheless, a singular definition of its properties does not exist. To some it entails proactively brainstorming and thus discovering a new business venture or expansion idea (Kokemuller, n.d.). However, it is also said that opportunity recognition is to be viewed as the ability of an entrepreneur to identify certain situations in which he or she can introduce new goods and services, new markets and novel organizing methods (Shane and Venkataraman, 2000). Adding to this, some scientist take a more specific approach, suggesting that opportunity recognition should be designated to solely the discovery element (Bhave, 1994; Baron, 2006). To avoid any discrepancies in the interpretation of this phenomenon, the definition of opportunity recognition used from this moment onwards throughout this research is thus indicated. Opportunity recognition will be viewed as a process through which the complex and detailed nature of the fact can be

acknowledged (Dinin, 2016). Viewing it as a multifaceted process allows for a more lengthily consideration of internal and external influential factors such as cognitive processes, social forces and individual characteristics. Adding to this, the research also builds on the view of Kirzner (1973), who states that entrepreneurial opportunities occur due to individuals’ diverse access to information. Thus, the manner in which a person recognizes value in the information they are presented with results in the discovery of varied opportunities. Hence, based on this definition it is to be analyzed whether being bilingual, which mostly enhances the information to which one is exposed from a young age, will thus alter the manner in which entrepreneurial value is recognized.

9 §2.1.2 Antecedents of Opportunity Recognition

When analyzing the existing literature on opportunity recognition as part of early

entrepreneurial activity, many factors have been acknowledged as its antecedents. This can be seen as progress, since the field was firstly dominated by a singular perspective in which personality traits were solely of influence (Park, 2005). Nonetheless, in the current literature academics consider antecedents from varied angles, all with their own affect on opportunity recognition. Antecedents that will be considered in this research are; Creativity, Cognitive Processes, Networks and Communities. By reflecting on this combination of antecedents, influential factors on both the personal level of the entrepreneur and the level of his or her surroundings are taken into account.

§2.1.3 Bilingualism

Since the concept of opportunity recognition is now clarified, bilingualism must follow and be illuminated in order to detect any possible linkages. When considering its literal definition, the dictionary states that a bilingual is defined as an individual who has the ability to speak two languages and uses this disposition frequently (Dictionary, 2015). However, this definition is open to changeable interpretation. For instance, there exists great variability in the level to which a person masters a second language, leading to different views as to whom is to be considered a bilingual. Hence, when it comes to researching the subject of

bilingualism it is of great importance to define these properties. Using a stringent criteria would lead to no more than half of the world’s population being considered a bilingual (Ardila, 1998). Such rigidness is useful in this research since it makes it easier to mark out potential effects on the process of opportunity recognition. Therefore, factors such as the age of language acquisition and an individual’s level of competence are to be considered when constructing the sample (Wardhaug, 1986), since such factors result in a variety of bilingual kinds. The bilingual kind referred to throughout the course of this research will be the “early bilingual”, an individual who has acquired two languages early in childhood, from the moment of speech onwards. Also, he or she will be assumed to enjoy “compound

bilingualism”, in which the individual has learnt the two languages simultaneously, often in one context (Wardhaug, 1986). In this research, this context will be the parental home.

§2.1.4 Effects of Bilingualism

To study a possible connection between bilingualism and a person’s aptitude to recognize opportunity, it is key to know first and foremost which effects the bilingual disposition has on

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the individuals in general. Current research suggests that there are several overlapping and interacting benefits to be enjoyed by a bilingual person.

These include for instance communicative advantages, due to matters such as

community relationships, transnational communication, and language sensitivity. The two worlds of experience that a bilingual enjoys also lead to cultural advantages (Wei, 2000). Adding to this, speaking in a different language activates ‘Cultural Frame Switching’, a psychological process whereby exposure to a culturally significant stimulus causes the individual to process information through one of two cultural mind frames. As a result, the individual responds within the cultural mind frame activated by that particular cue (Noriega, 2015). Such switching enables a higher level of flexibility in both mind and behavior, which in turn could lead to potential economic advantages for the individual. Due to falling

economic trade barriers international relationships are becoming closer (Lipson, 1984), causing partnerships across nations to become more dispersed. When compared to

monolinguals, such developments make the professional market more versatile for bilinguals. Besides these more noticeable and tangible matters, bilinguals are also thought to enjoy certain cognitive advantages. Recent research has shown advantages in their course of thinking, ranging from greater sensitivity in communication, to faster progress in cognitive development and creative thinking (Wei, 2000; Ricciardelli, 1992). Hence, bilinguals should be able to extend the range of meanings, associations and images, causing them to think more flexibly and creatively. Therefore, a bilingual is thought to have more awareness of language and more fluency, flexibility and elaboration in thinking than a monolingual. It can therefore affect their ‘Executive Functions’,cognitive processes that are necessary for the control of behavior. Hence, it should enhance the ability of a bilingual to select and successfully monitor the right behaviors to attain chosen goals (Carlson and Meltzoff, 2008). The most notably enhanced executive function for a bilingual is an advanced level of inhibition control. This control represents the ability to ignore certain stimuli in order to show more appropriate behavior in completing anticipated goals (Bialystok, 1986).

Adding to this, studies also demonstrate a pattern of creative performance when it concerns bilingualism, stating that speaking more than one language increases creativity in the nonverbal domain (Kharkhurin, 2010). Lee and Kim (2010) also affirm that the degree of bilingualism is positively associated with creativity. More specifically the adaptive creative style is perceived to increase, inducing creative problem solving. Besides this, improvement is shown in several creative strengths of bilingual individuals.

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§2 Knowledge Gap

§2.2.1 Opportunity Recognition through the Lens of Bilingualism

When looking at the current research on entrepreneurial opportunity recognition, it appears to be extensive in its form. However, one of the main contributions that is sought to be made by authors within this area of research is to enhance the existing insights on the opportunity concept by exploration in other fields, both in and outside business-related domains (Short, Ketchen Jr, Shook, and Ireland, 2010).Taking this into account and concurrently considering the found effects on individuals in the research field of bilingualism, incites exploration of this possible connection. It appears that there might exist an overlap between the bilingual effects and the antecedents of opportunity recognition which are yet to be studied. The advantages shown by the phenomenon of bilingualism should in theory influence the mentioned antecedents of opportunity recognition. If this were to be true, a bilingual nature could be considered a stimulant for the course of an individual’s recognition process. A lack of attention to this area has left such potential information untouched, creating a knowledge gap. It is therefore that this research aims to achieve additional focus through the lens of bilingualism by observing entrepreneurial opportunity recognition in this new light.

Considering the current fascination amongst scientists towards entrepreneurs and their discoveries as mentioned in the introduction, new information of potential bilingual

influences on this process would be a valuable contribution to modern knowledge (Hills et al., 1999), especially in a world where developments are moving in the trend of globalization and internationalization (Stromquist, 2007). Hence, in this research it will be attempted to answer the following main research question:“What does it mean to be a bilingual individual in the entrepreneurial opportunity recognition process?”

To answer this question, the following section will be devoted to the analysis of the antecedents of opportunity recognition in light of the effects of bilingualism. Consequently, the resulting structure will form complementary sub questions serving the purpose of finding a holistic answer to the main question as stated above.

§2.2.2 Antecedents of Opportunity Recognition through the Lens of Bilingualism

Creativity.According to Ardichvili, Cardozo and Ray (2003), one of the things leading to successful opportunity recognition is a state of entrepreneurial alertness. This alertness causes ‘Entrepreneurial Awareness’ (Ray and Cardozo, 1996), which is sharpened by certain personality traits such as optimism and creativity (Krueger and Dickson, 1994; Ardichvili et. al., 2003). This is where the bilingual lens can be applied, as it was mentioned

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before that bilingualism is shown to increase creativity in diverse ways such as nonverbally, within adaptive creativity and in creative strengths (Lee and Kim, 2010). Therefore it is deemed worthwhile to research the following quest: (I) “In what manner do individuals show a different form or level of creativity due to their bilingual nature?” The answer to this question should make evident whether creativity, a personality trait which enhances

entrepreneurial awareness and thus successful opportunity recognition, could in any way be more developed due to an individual’s bilingual nature.

Networks. Then, the following step is analyzing individuals’ social network ties through the bilingual lens. Within the current literature on opportunity recognition the importance of network ties is widely emphasized. According to Arenius and Clercq (2005), entrepreneurs’ social network characteristics are of great importance to the opportunity

recognition process. It was made apparent that network size and the number of weak ties in an entrepreneur’s network were significantly and positively related to the number of new venture ideas identified and opportunities recognized. Furthermore, individuals tend to differ when it comes to their perception of opportunities because of the differences between the networks they are embedded in (Kontinen and Ojala, 2011). A bilingual tends to be embedded in more extensive and diverse networks than the average person, making it valuable to sharpen the bilingual lens on this particular area. As mentioned above, the communicative advantages caused by bilingualism were said to be extended by community relationships and

transnational communication. Taking into account that international relationships are becoming closer and partnerships across nations more dispersed, it seems valid to query whether social networks, which are considered an antecedent of opportunity recognition, are more advanced for bilinguals. Hence, this leads to the following sub-question: (II) “In what manner do bilingual individuals feel that their social network is influenced by their bilingual nature?” The interest in this matter would mostly lie with the size of the network, its amount of weak ties and the international relations in entails. These are the most influential factors when considering successfully opportunity identification.

Cognitive Process - Pattern Recognition. Subsequently, individuals’ cognitive processes deserve attention through the bilingual lens. Research suggests that opportunity recognition can be related to pattern recognition, a process in which individuals perceive emergent patterns among otherwise seemingly unrelated stimuli or events. More specifically, Baron (2006) suggests that specific persons see patterns among emerging changes in for instance technology, markets, and demographics that others miss. They then compare these

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patterns to their existing concept of “business opportunity”, resulting in the recognition of these opportunities. Building on this knowledge and the fact that bilinguals are more able to extend a range of associations and think more flexibly and creatively than monolinguals, it is valid to suspect that bilinguals would have a natural inclination towards the recognition of opportunities (Wei, 2000). Taken together with their previously mentioned advanced level of inhibition control (Bialystok, 1986), it is to be expected that bilingual individuals are more prone to recognizing patterns of opportunity due to these corresponding cognitive processes (Carlson and Meltzoff, 2008). The following sub question is therefore of interest to the

research: (III)“To what extent do bilingual individuals feel that they are prone to recognizing patterns between unrelated stimuli or events?”As is the case with the other sub questions, the resulting information will serve the purpose of defining the relationship between bilingualism and opportunity recognition in a holistic manner.

Communities. The last antecedent of opportunity recognition over which the bilingual lens will be held is communities. As pointed out previously, the way in which an entrepreneur positions himself within communities during the opportunity recognizing process influences eventual discoveries. When one refers to the opportunity concept, the accidental

entrepreneurial processes are typically more modern and emergent in their form. Hence, the communities in which these entrepreneurs are embedded tend to play a significant role on their entrepreneurial activities and development (Shah and Tripsas, 2007). When viewing this antecedent through the bilingual lens, it is to be acknowledged that bilinguals undergo two or more worlds of experience. Consequently, a bilingual is most often embedded in more than one community. This could lead to cultural advantages since it activates ‘Cultural Frame Switching’, as previously mentioned. Hence, this precursor of opportunity recognition is an interesting phenomenon to study. This part of the research is effectuated based on addressing the query of both the level of embeddedness in communities: (IV) “In what manner do bilingual individuals feel embedded in multiple communities due their bilingualism?” and Cultural Frame Switching: (V) “To what degree do bilingual individuals feel that they respond with a convenient cultural frame of mind when put in certain situations?”.

All posed sub-questions address the antecedents of opportunity recognition viewed through a lens of bilingual effects. When taken together, they are hoped to produce

complementary information which will shed light on the main research question concerning the meaning of bilingualism within the entrepreneurial opportunity recognition process.

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3. Methods

In the following chapter, the research design will be described in full detail. Firstly, the choice of methodology will be motivated which will subsequently lead to an explanation of both the research context and the accompanying steps taken for data collection. Adding to this, details will be given on the measures used, shedding light on the key concepts of the research. Lastly, the manner in which data analysis was carried out will be shown.

§3.1 Design

For this research a qualitative methodological approach was used since the relationship between opportunity recognition and bilingualism was a yet undefined subject, leaving room for exploration within two extensive research fields (Lee, 1999; Blumberg, Cooper, and Schindler, 2014). In their own way both phenomena could be seen as complex processes (Genesee, Paradis, and Crago, 2004; Baron 2006), especially when considering an interaction between the two.

To enlighten this potential connection, bilinguals’ views and experiences concerning certain elements of opportunity recognition were firstly acquired to contribute to the

exploration. Adding to this, in a second part of the research a comparison between one

bilingual and one monolingual entrepreneur was made in order to produce professional insight on the entrepreneurial importance of certain fundamentals of opportunity recognition.

Moreover, the second part of the research contributed to identifying possible variations between the entrepreneurial approaches of both entrepreneurs.

§3.2 Sample

The participants were selected by use of purposive sampling. Hence, the choice of people to be interviewed was subject to judgement and subjectivity in light of their use for the research (Eriksson and Kovalainen, 2008). Participants were found through varied networks and social media channels, subsequently they were approached either through phone calls or via email. In total, 11 people where approached to participate as bilinguals. Eventually eight people met the requirements of age, gender and bilingual upbringing and were actually interviewed. Adding to this, a total of three people was approached to be interviewed as an entrepreneur. Two entrepreneurs eventually met the requirements of enjoying either a bilingual or a monolingual upbringing in combination with an entrepreneurial history and current career.

15 §3.2.1 ‘The Bilinguals’ (n=8)

In the first part of the research in which eight participants were interviewed, the common factor of their bilingual nature was most important. Adding to this, the fact that this

disposition was enjoyed from the moment in which they learnt to speak was a requirement for participation. During the sampling procedure young adults were targeted, resulting in the ages of the participants ranging from 21 to 36. In order to get an equal divide gender wise, four participants were women and four participants were men. In order to create the widest and most varied views possible it was attempted to incorporate bilinguals with diverse heritages and thus diverse second cultures and languages. However, for the sample it was compulsory that one of the two heritages was Dutch and that this language was spoken fluently.

Consequently, this resulted in a mix of eight heritages and six languages throughout the participants.

§3.2.2 ‘The Entrepreneurs’ (n=2)

In the second part of the research two people were interviewed, in this case the predominant common factor was their profession, both being entrepreneurs. In order to enhance

comparability, both entrepreneurs were of similar ages with similar entrepreneurial

experience. Furthermore, both entrepreneurs worked in a sector subject to constant innovation and a high degree of online presence. Adding to this, they both endured less successful times business wise resulting in a restart of the company in some form. The experience of such similar entrepreneurial situations would have caused equally similar challenges and circumstances, thus increasing again the desired comparability. This in turn enhanced the ability to reflect on the main difference of interest, their bilingual and monolingual nature. In the case of the bilingual entrepreneur, it was again important that his bilingual nature was enjoyed from the moment he learnt to speak and that one of his two heritages was Dutch.

§3.3 Data Collection

§3.3.1 The Interview Design

The interviews were designed based on a structure of sub questions as mentioned in the literature review. All interviews were conducted on a location chosen by the participant, varying between offices, homes and cafes. On all occasions the interviews commenced with a casual conversation in order to make both parties feel comfortable and create an atmosphere in which valuable in-depth information would more easily rise to the surface (Legard,

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and some in English, depending on the comfort level of the participant with either language. The interview for ‘The Bilinguals’ consisted of 20 main questions, in the case of ‘The Entrepreneurs’ the interviews entailed 25 main questions. In both cases follow-up questions were asked to serve either the flow of the conversation or the retrieval of extra information. Lastly, at the start of all 10 interviews the participants were asked permission for recording in order to grant them a choice concerning this ethical matter (Burgess, 1989), all participants allowed this.

§3.3.2 The Interview Conduction

Over the course of two weeks semi-structured interviews with young bilingual adults were conducted. During these interviews a certain level of informality was strived for in order to make the participant in question feel like he or she was taking part in a regular conversation (Maxwell, 2012). In this manner it was hoped to collect rich and relevant data on bilinguals’ perspectives and experiences concerning the mentioned antecedents of opportunity

recognition (Mack, Woodsong, MacQueen, Guest, and Namey, 2005). Subsequently, the interviews conducted in the second part of the research added a different angle of exploration in order to create a steadier knowledgebase and contribute to a more in-depth understanding of the matters at hand. These interviews obtained knowledge from the monolingual and bilingual entrepreneur and although both were also conducted in an informal manner, these interviews were designed to be more extensive. As opposed to the first set of interviews, the focus in these interviews was on both entrepreneurial endeavors and opportunity recognition instead of solely on the applicable antecedents. Hence, this led to valuable added knowledge which was of both professional entrepreneurial nature and comparative use.

§3.4 Data Analysis Strategy

Upon completion, the in-person interviews were transcribed into text-documents to allow extensive analysis. Subsequently, the interviews that were conducted in Dutch were translated into English in order to hold all interview transcripts in one main language. Consequently, all interviews were analyzed by the process of coding. In this research a combination was used of both predetermined codes (a priori) and emergent codes (open coding) (Given, 2008).

§3.4.1‘The Bilinguals’

For the analysis of these interviews a list of predetermined codes was determined based on the existing theory and the main questions asked in the interview, this list counted 18 codes (see

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table 22, appendix 6). During the analysis, emergent codes were added resulting in a list of eight open codes (see table 23, appendix 6). The codes are meant to capture the realities of the participants. During the first cycle of coding ‘Emotion Coding’ is used, in which sentiments and reactions are labelled. In addition, ‘Value Coding’ is introduced, in which labels are given to attitudes and beliefs (Saldaña, 2015).

§3.4.2 ‘The Entrepreneurs’

For the part of the research dedicated to ‘The Entrepreneurs’, a list of pre-set codes was also determined. This resulted in a slightly different list containing 10 predetermined codes (see table 24, appendix 6). Again during analysis emergent codes were added resulting in a list of nine open codes for ‘The Entrepreneurs’(see table 25, appendix 6).

§3.4.3 Notes and Axial Coding

In both cases notes were made during the analysis in order to clarify thoughts and patterns that arose during the process (Eriksson and Kovalainen, 2008). Such notes facilitated the capture of relationships between codes and established meanings across them. Also, the notes helped to sort the codes properly and thus enhance clarity. By using the method of Axial Coding, core categories were identified (Saldaña, 2015). These axial codes were then

appointed to themes which stood parallel to the sub questions formed in the literature review, namely ‘Different Creativity’, ‘Social Network’, ‘Recognizing Patterns’, ‘Embeddedness Communities’ and ‘Convenient Culture Frame’.

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4. Results

In the following chapter the data collected with the in-depth interviews will be defined. Firstly, the relevant characteristics of the participants in the sample will shortly be described, shedding light on the selection of participants. The display of data gathered from the

conversations will follow the structure of the sub questions as posed in the literature review, which exists parallel to the themes under which codes have been assigned. Further

construction will be upheld by the axial codes assigned to each theme.

§ 4.1 Sample Description

In the sample generated for data collection, the participants grouped under ‘The Bilinguals’ met the requirements of age, upbringing, and languages. Their characteristics and details are displayed in Table 1, displayed here under. In the case of ‘The Entrepreneurs’ these

requirements were also upheld, as was the condition of their profession. The relevant details of the participants of this group exhibited in Table 2, shown on the next page.

Table 1

Sample Description ‘The Bilinguals’

‘The Bilinguals’

Number Gender Age Language 1 Language 2 Country A Country B

Participant 1 M 30 Dutch English The Netherlands U.K.

Participant 2 F 36 Dutch English The Netherlands U.K.

Participant 3 M 23 Dutch German The Netherlands Germany

Participant 4 F 29 English Dutch Curacao U.K.

Participant 5 M 26 Dutch English The Netherlands Ireland

Participant 6 F 21 Dutch Russian The Netherlands Russia

Participant 7 M 28 Dutch Portuguese The Netherlands Portugal

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Table 2

Sample Description ‘The Entrepreneurs’

‘The Entrepreneurs’

Number Upbringing Age Language 1 Language 2 Country A Country B

Participant 9 Monolingual 40 Dutch - The Netherlands - Participant 10 Bilingual 36 Dutch Italian The Netherlands Italy

§ 4.2 (I) A Bilingual’s Differing Creativity

The results related to this sub question are collected under the coding theme of ‘Different Creativity’ and are analyzed by order of the accompanying axial codes (see table 3, 4, 5, and 6; Appendix 1). This theme includes four axial codes; Problem Solving, Creative Enrichment, Broad Orientation and Difference Creativity ‘The Entrepreneurs’.

§ 4.2.1 Problem Solving ‘The Bilinguals’

Throughout the data it is apparent that participants feel that they are capable of taking more than one solution into account when confronted with a problem. As participant 5 mentions; “Seeing different answers that might be good and realizing that one might be better than another, is something that has been engrained through languages.”. Besides the language, participants also seem to share the opinion that the experience of different cultures has lead to a certain degree of open mindedness. It is commonly felt by participants that they are well equipped to take on different perspectives when assessing a situation, due to them being used to these dissimilar ways of life. This relates to the widespread opinion amongst participants that as bilinguals they enjoy a broader perspective when it comes to problem solving, due to added perspectives. However, an interesting argument substantiating this view refers to the different references that bilinguals use to solve problems due to their two sided experiences, as participant 4 quotes; “When I have a problem, I’ll tend to think of situations which I have experiences. So when you speak different languages, you pick up a lot of different scenes and references.”. It indicates the flexibility of the bilingual mind combined with a degree of awareness enabling one to revert back to a most convenient reference.

§ 4.2.2 Creative Enrichment ‘The Bilinguals’

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which is mostly thought to show in their use of language. However, being bilingual also appears to influence other creative sorts, such as self-expression and playing into the behaviours of people. An interesting argumentation for such creative enrichment was

retrieved from the data as several participants stated that they were used to being different and acting unlike others form a young age onwards. An example of this is a statement of

participant 4; “They could find you different and a little weird in a lot of things you know.”.

§ 4.2.3 Broad Orientation ‘The Bilinguals’

When analyzing the data generated by ‘The Bilinguals’, a shared feeling that seems to return frequently is the experience of a broader view due to a bilingual upbringing. This sense of a broader orientation is thought to be accompanied by a larger frame of reference and thus a wider frame of analyzing. Most notable is the fact that for a large part bilinguals feel that this results into an enhanced sense of empathy and a predisposition to easily understand people. The following quote of participant 5 illustrates this perceived enhanced sense; “Because your background is from different cultures which you both receive in your upbringing, it makes it easier to empathize with different people.”.

§ 4.2.4 Difference Creativity ‘The Entrepreneurs’

When analyzing the data concerning creativity gathered from ‘The Entrepreneurs’, it becomes apparent that both entrepreneurs feel that bilinguals tend to be more recourse-full in their knowledge and inspiration. As the monolingual entrepreneur states “Being more recourse-full, you have more knowledge. Having more knowledge, results in having more ideas. That’s always a good thing.” However, it is also felt that this can be compensated by travel and by surrounding yourself with the right people who balance the possible lack of recourse-fullness. Also, a familiar factor that surfaces is the fact that the bilingual entrepreneur also experiences the earlier mentioned feeling of being different from a young age. Business wise this has been beneficial according to the bilingual entrepreneur, and freeing in the sense of creativity as he quotes; “People do tend to look at you differently from a young age onwards. Maybe being bilingual, and speaking two languages and knowing two cultures, and often hearing things that you have to be able to ignore, might make you better at putting aside what people think of you. You might be better equipped and able to let such things go.”

21 § 4.2.5 Creativity in Sum

Hence, from the data concerning creativity it seems as though bilinguals feel that they are capable of being open-minded and taking more than one solution on board. Adding to this, they tend to use more diverse references when confronting a problem. Also, the feeling of being different has prevented a tendency to be “boxed in” in terms of one’s identity. This sense of free spirit entices creative enrichment mostly showing in language, but also in self-expression and people skills. This is also explained by the broader orientation resulting in not only a larger frame of reference but also in a predisposition to empathize and understand people. Both entrepreneurs believe a bilingual entrepreneur might be more inclined to be recourse-full in knowledge, however it is believed this can be compensated. It is the freeing creative stance, due to the never fitting a pre-defined identity, that might be the biggest difference apparent between the two entrepreneurs.

§ 4.3 (II) A Bilingual’s Influenced Social Network

The results related to this sub question are collected under the coding theme of ‘Influenced Social Network’ and are again analyzed by order of the accompanying axial codes; Social Network, Value Network and Difference Social Network ‘The Entrepreneurs’’.

§ 4.3.1 Social Network ‘The Bilinguals’

Looking at the nature of the social network of ‘The Bilinguals’ it is clear that apart from family abroad, these networks are mostly orientated in the Netherlands. Nonetheless, it is frequently mentioned that the participants connect in an easier manner and on a different level to people abroad due to their dual heritage. It is participant 1 who exemplifies this clearly by stating “I think you can connect easier with people, because you know all the cultural references, so in that sense it’s good for contacts in other countries.” The participants’ network is therefore experienced as broader than that of a Dutch person in an international sense.

§ 4.3.2 Value Social Network ‘The Bilinguals’

Throughout the data on ‘The Bilinguals’ the idea prevails that it is easier to connect to people due to an enhanced sense of empathy which leads to a possibly deeper level of connection. Besides this, due to a multi-facet personality a bilingual is thought to be more capable of playing into people which in turn enriches the social network in both nature and size. Adding to this, the actual ties abroad are made out to enrich you as a person, which sequentially is experienced as valuable.

22 § 4.3.3 Difference Social Network ‘The Entrepreneurs’

When comparing the two entrepreneurs based on their social network, they both deem it to be important for their form of business. However, the bilingual entrepreneur seems more

intrinsic when reasoning for the construction of his social network. Adding to this, the entrepreneurial advantages enjoyed due to their social network seem to contain a similar imbalance, namely on the front of intrinsic value. This is clearly shown by comparing the following statements “I try to connect the things I do for a living to the things I do like to do in general, as much as possible really. And the things you like to do, you usually do with your friends. So I think that it definitely influences each other!”– (Bilingual Entrepreneur) versus “I do have the advantage that my social network also exists within my trade. Within my trade that’s really handy.”- (Monolingual Entrepreneur). It appears that the social network of the monolingual entrepreneur is just as extensive, however its origin is based mostly on past studies and professions. Hence, the social network of the monolingual entrepreneur seems more tied to certain boundaries than that of the bilingual entrepreneur.

§ 4.3.4 Networks in Sum

The data seems to show that the social network of bilinguals is mostly influenced in the international sense. This is partly due to family members in country B and partly due to connections abroad being easily made due to bilingualism. The bilingual disposition also seems to lead to enrichment in the bilingual’s social network due to deeper levels of connection, again this mostly occurs with international relations. When comparing the entrepreneurs, it appeared as though the social network of the bilingual entrepreneur was less confined by professional and educational borders since it was based on more intrinsic

reasoning.

§ 4.4 (III) Prone to Recognizing Patterns as Bilingual

The results related to this sub question are collected under the coding theme of ‘Recognizing Patterns’ and are again analyzed by order of the accompanying axial codes Cognitive

Flexibility, Recognizing Patterns, Ignoring Irrelevant Factors and Difference Recognizing Patterns “The Entrepreneurs’’.

§ 4.4.1 Cognitive Flexibility ‘The Bilinguals’

The flexibility of bilinguals’ minds is most apparent due to the processing of their thoughts in two languages, for most participants this is experienced as a mix. Also, it seems to be the case that the language in which participants think is prone to context. Hence, a bilingual individual

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appears to switch to the processing of thoughts in the language most convenient in the handed situation. This gist is clearly portrayed in the following quote of participant 8; “Whenever I am with my family for longer than 2-3 days, my thoughts will be mostly in English. So it really depends on context.”.

§ 4.4.2 Recognizing Patterns ‘The Bilinguals’

When considering the data produced by ‘The Bilinguals’ with an eye on the recognizing of patterns, a commonly mentioned facet is the fact that they notice the presence of patterns in language. Hence, according to the participants they experience an enhanced capability in recognizing such patterns by being able to seeing the bigger picture behind words. Adding to this, the bilingual participants seem to be confident in their ability to make associations between different stimuli. In general it is felt that they catch on to the connection between different matters quicker than an average person. A quote stated by participant 8 is a strong example of this; “People can’t always follow what I am trying to say, I really have to make more effort to take them with me in my thoughts.”.

§ 4.4.3 Ignoring Irrelevant Factors ‘The Bilinguals’

The ignoring of irrelevant factors is a matter in which the participants did not consider themselves talented in particular, neither did they think that their bilingual nature could influence this in any way. Most felt that they were good at theoretically prioritizing, however they tended to fail in following up on their own decided upon priorities. This general idea is stated clearly in the following quote from participant 7; “I can figure out what is useless, but I can’t always get to it.”

§ 4.4.4 Difference Recognizing Patterns ‘The Entrepreneurs’

Both the bilingual and the monolingual entrepreneur admit to the fact that a lot of matters pass your desk when being an entrepreneur. Thus, prioritizing matters and ignoring irrelevant factors is a challenge with which one can reap entrepreneurial benefits if done properly. However, both entrepreneurs are equally inclined to lose sight of the successful pattern and instead try to influence all facets within the company. However, it differs when analyzing their tendencies to make associations. Again, both entrepreneurs admit to the importance of the activity. Nonetheless, the bilingual entrepreneur seems to have a more empathetic approach to his. He thinks about associations in the sense of what he could mean to the customer as he states the following; “You should always think ahead, in the sense of what you

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could mean to that customer”. This does not stand parallel with the monolingual entrepreneur, who relates making associations to the relevance of his own future company, as becomes apparent from the following quote; “We look ahead concerning our relevance, how will we be relevant in two years time and what do we have to do now to get there. So yes, I do look ahead and make associations in that sense.” In the case of their pattern recognition both entrepreneurs mention the use of this ability as a tool to detect demand and information from the consumer. However, the monolingual entrepreneur once more formulates this in a less intrinsic manner by mentioning the use of tests and research to understand clients.

§ 4.4.5 Recognizing Patterns in Sum

Hence, according to the data it is apparent that the mind of a bilingual has flexible tendencies when it comes to processing thoughts, more so than a monolingual mind. Also, enhanced patterns recognition is acknowledged by bilinguals, however this is mostly in their mastery of language. On the front of making associations, the bilingual participants are more than

confident in their ability. Some even consider themselves far above average in this respect due to the fast track of their thoughts and ability to influence people. However, there is no

indication that bilinguals would be in any way better at ignoring irrelevant factors than monolingual people. All the above mentioned factors are admitted to be of importance by the entrepreneurs, furthermore it does not seem that there is a detectable difference in the way these factors are handled. Nevertheless, the level of both empathy and intrinsic formulation concerning these factors is a notable dissimilarity.

§ 4.5 (IV) Embeddedness Communities as a Bilingual

The results related to this sub question are collected under the coding theme of

‘Embeddedness Communities’. As done in the prior paragraphs, the results are analyzed by order of the accompanying axial codes; Connection Culture B, Equality Connection Country A and B, and Difference Embeddedness Communities ‘The Entrepreneurs’.

§ 4.5.1 Connection Culture B ‘The Bilinguals’

When analyzing the ways and habits that bilinguals inhabit from their country B, these appeared to be generally passed on by parents. Adding to this, actual standing relations in country B are mostly family orientated. Hence, the connection that bilinguals feel towards their country B is predominantly outdated in its form. In general the participants seemed to feel as if they missed essential and topical culture facets, it could be described as experiencing a glass ceiling inhibiting a full cultural connection. This is vividly illustrated by participant 8

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as follows; “You do miss part of the cultural background. Like the TV you watch when you grow up, or for instance the local famous people”.

§ 4.5.2 Equality Connection Country A and B ‘The Bilinguals’

When analyzing the connection that bilinguals uphold with both their countries of origin, in most cases it seems that there exists an inequality between the two. In general participants feel mainly connected to the Dutch community due to the fact that they have been raised here. As participant 1 describes; “I am connected more to the Dutch community because I have been raised in this country, that’s the big difference compared to the English community”. Adding to this, participants chiefly agree on the fact that they would not be able to instantly blend into the community of country B. This belief again shows an inequality in the existing connection with country A versus the connection with country B.

§ 4.5.3 Difference Embeddedness Communities ‘The Entrepreneurs’

When viewing the entrepreneurs’ difference in ability to connect with diverse communities it seems as though the bilingual entrepreneur has a more natural inclination to empathize and adapt to certain situations and communities due to his upbringing. This differs from the monolingual entrepreneur, who mentions to have completed training for this purpose. This became evident in quotes such as the following; “Maybe you can more easily have empathy for certain situations, and also the ability to adjust.”- (Bilingual Entrepreneur) versus “I also do the commercial side of the business, meaning you do have to be able to identify with people quickly. But you’ve had a lot of training for this.”- (Monolingual Entrepreneur). The fact that the monolingual entrepreneur has had extensive training to improve this ability shows not only its perceived importance, but also the lack of a natural leaning towards it. Moreover, the monolingual entrepreneur admits to this by stating; “Transforming an idea to an actual working thing with which you earn money, is a whole different ballgame. You never come to good ideas by yourself.”

§ 4.5.4 Communities in Sum

It has become apparent that the connection that bilinguals have with their country B is generally outdated and restricted by a certain cultural glass ceiling. Adding to this, the connection that bilinguals experience between their country A and B is in no manner equal, the embeddedness in both communities can therefore not be considered on the same level. Nonetheless, the enhanced sense op empathy of the bilingual entrepreneur towards different communities and his ability to accordingly adapt is deemed beneficial for entrepreneurial

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activities. Such abilities are otherwise attained through training, as was the case for the monolingual entrepreneur.

§ 4.6 (V) Use of Convenient Culture Mind Frame as Bilingual

The data resulting from this sub question are assembled under the coding theme of ‘Convenient Cultural Mindframe’. Once more the results are examined by order of the associated axial codes; Capability of Switching, Occurrence of Switching, Altered Being and Difference Convenient Cultural Mind Frame ‘The Entrepreneurs’.

§ 4.6.1 Capability of Switching ‘The Bilinguals’

It is evident from the data that bilinguals seem to enjoy cognitive flexibility from a young age due a constant state of switching between languages during their upbringing. What is more, the switching between not only languages but also for instance mannerisms comes naturally to most and does not require any thinking. Participant 4 formulates this in the following manner; “Yes I switch easy, in a heartbeat. In the language, but also in everything that comes with it.”. Moreover, when analyzing the responses on this matter it becomes evident that the switches are mostly submissive to context. Hence, in their own experience bilinguals feel that they tend to react in the appropriate manner in a given situation without thinking.

§ 4.6.2 Occurrence of Switching ‘The Bilinguals’

As for the occurrence of cultural frame switching, the data implies that it is mostly

experienced as a social asset. The bilingual disposition seems to allow some participants to experience an enhanced level of closeness with people since they can switch to the more appropriate culture when necessary. As participant 7 states “When the switch is made easily, it allows you to have the same level of closeness to people.”. Hence, bilinguals tend to switch their cultural frame based on the contextual factors, using the frame that is most convenient at that particular moment.

§ 4.6.3 Altered Being ‘The Bilinguals’

Data shows that the bilingual individuals do tend to show a different character when

conversing in their second language, this is mostly due to the culture of that language. Data indicates that bilinguals therefore do experience a slight from of character adaption. A clarifying example is given by participant 7, as she states; “I think I might be more blunt in Dutch, there is somehow a difference in what is considered polite and acceptable.”.

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§ 4.6.4 Difference Convenient Culture Frame ‘The Entrepreneurs’

Data indicates that both entrepreneurs agree on the fact that being able to play into a situation accordingly and think in the client’s direction is beneficial for entrepreneurial success. They describe it as being a form of flexibility and empathy. The bilingual entrepreneur formulates this in light of making others feel at ease with him. This is opposed to the monolingual entrepreneur, who sees it as a form of sales and thus thinks more from the self, stating; “You try to place yourself in their shoes, which has to do with a side of sales”. Also, the bilingual entrepreneur uses the term “adapting”, whilst the monolingual entrepreneur mentions that “he tries to take things into account”. This suggests that the entrepreneurs’ level of frame

switching differs on the level of selflessness. § 4.6.5 Switching Culture Frame in Sum

From the data it is evident that bilinguals are capable of switching cultural mind frames in order to use the most convenient in any particular context. Such capabilities cause an enhanced level of closeness to people. According to the bilingual entrepreneur, due to such adaption he can make a person feel more at ease. This is a more selfless perception on the matter than as is mentioned by the monolingual entrepreneur.

§ 4.7 Overarching Results

Within the data the link between bilingualism and entrepreneurial opportunity recognition as a whole was occasionally addressed, pointing out unexpected viewpoints that widen the

research perspective and are therefore notable. One of these viewpoints is described by participant 7 as follows "Maybe being from two different cultures, drives you to find

something that is your own. Because you are always in a place that is torn.". This insinuates a resulting disposition by which the bilingual wants to own a certain holistic identity,

subsequently generating an added drive to be an entrepreneur. Thus, this would effect in an entrepreneurial drive indirectly caused by bilingualism.

Also, the bilingual entrepreneur states the following “You are in a sense a little

bit different. Maybe that helps in the process towards entrepreneurship. Maybe being

bilingual, you often hear things that you have to be able to ignore, that you might be better at putting aside what people think of you. Therefore you might be more capable of focusing on that goal, the thing you want to achieve. Because you have already learnt from a young age to think “Well I don’t care what you say”, you might be better equipped and able to let such

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things go.” This train of thought shows an interesting perspective on why a bilingual might be better equipped to open himself up towards more opportunities. Hence, it portrays a certain ability to ignore inhibiting external opinions and take on risk in an unmoved manner, a tendency born out of an individual’s bilingual nature.

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5. Discussion

In this chapter it will be attempted to uncover what it means to be a bilingual individual in the entrepreneurial process of opportunity recognition, this will be based on the findings as described in the result section. Firstly, the sub questions will be addressed followed by an encompassing answer to the main research question. Furthermore, theoretical and practical contributions and implications will be discussed, as will possible avenues for future research.

§ 5.1 Creativity

The data in this research confirms the notion that individuals experience increased creativity in varied areas due to their bilingual nature (Kharkhurin, 2010; Lee and Kim, 2010).

Bilinguals seem to experience an enhanced sense of open mindedness and a broader frame of reference to address challenging situations. Furthermore findings suggest a ‘free stance’ towards creativity amongst bilinguals, as they appear to be less subjected to a predefined identity. According to Burke and Reitzes (1991), a certain sense of identity connects individuals to particular commitments which in turn links them to a stable set of self-meanings resulting in consistent lines of activity. Therefore, a certain identity-frame could generate a level of routine in entrepreneurial activities. Such routines could on some

occasions result in inertia, causing stagnation in botch change and creative processes leading to innovation (Becker, 2004). Hence, such mental boundaries created by a fixed sense of identity could therefore cause inhibited creativity. This impediment on creativity can be seen as an invisible barrier in the opportunity recognition process, a “creative glass ceiling”. The notion that bilinguals feel less subjected to a predefined identity partly shatters this creative restriction. Thus, bilingualism offers an individual’s creativity a better chance to rise to a possibly extraordinary level.

If the chance to reach extraordinary creativity is grasped to its full potential, this could have substantial effects on the opportunity recognition process (Ray and Cardozo, 1996). The opportunity concept would firstly be benefitted by the lowered risk of stagnation in

innovation. Furthermore, the enhanced creativity sharpens entrepreneurial awareness which leads to successful opportunity recognition (Ray and Cardozo, 1996). Lastly, the results suggest that this freer stance of creativity is amongst the factors that differ the bilingual entrepreneur from the monolingual entrepreneur. This stance is a state of mind and thus an intangible recourse which is mostly inimittable and thus hard to compensate (Carmeli, 2004).