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Navigating motivations and obstacles: exploring the dynamics of foreign entrepreneurs in China’s business landscape

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  • Arthur William Fodouop Kouam

    (Hebei University)

Abstract

This study explores foreign entrepreneurs’ motivations and obstacles in China’s business landscape. The research question is: What prominent factors drive foreign entrepreneurs to seek business opportunities in China, and what challenges do they encounter? A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a questionnaire survey of 240 foreign entrepreneurs in China, cross-tabulation analysis, chi-square tests, and thematic analysis. The findings reveal that financial gain, market opportunities, access to resources or networks, personal aspirations, and cultural factors motivate foreign entrepreneurs to venture into China. Language and communication barriers, cultural differences, administrative procedures, market competitiveness, logistics, remittances and international transfer issues, financial instability, discrimination, and racism pose significant challenges. The study highlights substantial similarities and dissimilarities in motivations and challenges based on gender and ethnicity. The study’s novelty lies in its comprehensive exploration of the dynamics of foreign entrepreneurship in China, incorporating gender and ethnicity considerations and shedding light on logistics and shipping issues as obstacles. The study’s practical implications could help policymakers and aspiring entrepreneurs formulate strategies to improve China’s business landscape for foreign entrepreneurs.

Suggested Citation

  • Arthur William Fodouop Kouam, 2025. "Navigating motivations and obstacles: exploring the dynamics of foreign entrepreneurs in China’s business landscape," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 1-31, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:intemj:v:21:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s11365-024-01040-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11365-024-01040-x
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