Part 5
This is the continuation of the dissertation excerpts – Factors that contribute to business success among Nepalese immigrants in the United States.
Part 1- 4 has already been published.
Fast food, retail trade, food, and beverage were the significant businesses run by Nepalese entrepreneurs. Nepalese entrepreneurs have been in business over the past few years in this region, with many engaged in running food businesses, especially Nepalese restaurants and pizza stores.
Some have been involved in the wholesale and retail stores and in grocery stores. It is noteworthy that all the Nepalese businesses included in this study were in the food services industry. The food services industry is one in which a high level of capital investment is not required, and entry is possible with low capital investment.
This research also found that Nepalese entrepreneurs today have been involved in the business over various periods. Out of the total interviewed, nine participants explained their businesses as in the “established” stage; they said they had an established customer base, reputation, and employees. Seven participants responded that their companies were in the “growth” step. Their business profit was going up due to increased sales, improved management skills, and focused strategies.
It was found that most Nepalese entrepreneurs were equipped with some level of degrees. It was either from their home country of Nepal or from the United States. Participants were asked to explain the effect of education on the operation of their businesses. In response, most participants agreed that education helped them visualize the company’s inside and outside environment. They believed that the higher the level of education, the more the business will grow; they were confident that education helps them run a business smoothly. Most participants believed that education helps expand the industry and has a significant impact on business decision-making.
Participants also expressed that business owners equipped with college degrees can communicate with customers more efficiently regarding business matters. Also, educated owners can better recruit skilled employees who are adequately trained. Owners with an education in business can bring more effective management techniques to the operation of their businesses.
In response to an inquiry concerning the business knowledge, they generally responded that more business knowledge is required for mechanized and automated businesses. Most participants agreed that business knowledge has a positive effect on the company and that this is a continuous process. They believed that the higher the level of business knowledge, the more business will grow; eventually, this will make huge differences in the industry, they said.
Some participants also expressed that knowledge in related fields would help much, but the practical experience was significant. For most participants, then, it was agreed that business knowledge plays a vital role. Education and expertise were both positive factors, according to the informants, essential for them to do business successfully.
Participants were also asked to describe their level of business-related training. A few participants reported that they had no formal training at all. Still, they had other work experience plus education regarding how to serve customers. Some participants said they had experienced relatively formal training on Subway-related matters when they worked in those product-related companies.
Some participants stated that they had hotel management training in their native country, Nepal, before entering the United States. Thus, a reasonably typical statement came from one participant who said that he had business experience over 20 years. He had become a multi-unit director in a company where he used to work and had learned a lot.
Participants were optimistic about their experiences from the work they had engaged in before undertaking their entrepreneurial leap. They all believed their training was precious. One participant described being in the restaurant business for the past 17 years. He said that he had begun as a kitchen helper and moved up through all the jobs to become the owner and general manager of his own business now. This was a typical situation for Nepalese business owners; training was critical to their business success even more than formal academic education.
To be continued
Comment