| Abstract [eng] |
As a state, Lithuania has been characterised by a high emigration rate throughout the years, resulting in econonomic and human capital losses, as well as a demographic drain. In the recent years, however, a promising trend of re-emigration is emerging, with potential to positively affect the Lithuanian economy and society. Although the impact of social networks in migration and entrepreneurship are receiving attention, the intersection of research exploring social networks as factors influencing migrant and re-emigrant entrepreneurship is limited, especially in the case of Lithuania. Thus, the aim of this master’s degree final project is to explore the impact of social networks on the decision of re-emigrants to start entrepreneurial activity in their home country Lithuania. The following research objectives are formulated: 1. To investigate the role of social networks in making entrepreneurial decisions after returning to the home country; 2. To analyze the existing theoretical literature regarding social networks, re-emigration, entrepreneurship, and lings among them; 3. To develop a model for revealing the influence of social ties on the decision to start entrepreneurial activity after returning to the home country; 4. To apply the theoretical model in practice in order to explore the link between social networks and the decision of re-emigrants to start entrepreneurial activity in their home country. Methods. Based on the analysed existing theoretical background in the areas of study, a qualitative research method is chosen, using semi-structured interview guides as means to collect data. Data processing is done both manually and using Maxqda Pro 2022 software package. Results. The analysis of existing theoretical background regarding social networks in the realms of migration and entrepreneurship is used to develop a theoretical model for exploring the impact of social networks on the decision of re-emigrants to start entrepreneurial activity in their home country. The model is divided into 3 business creation phases: motivation, planning, and establishment. The main premise of the model is that during motivation and establishment phases cohesive social network attributes (low number of ties, high strength ties, and trust) are most present, while the planning phase is characterised by social network heterogeneity (higher number, lower strength ties, lower importance of trust). The collected data generally confirms the shift in cohesion and heterogeneity attributes during the different phases indicated in the model. |
