Racial discrimination in entrepreneurship: a synthesis and conceptual framework

PurposeThis study aims to synthesize and conceptualize the highly fragmented yet important literature on racial discrimination in entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachA bibliometric analysis and literature review were performed that involved 523 articles containing 26,926 references.FindingsThe bibliometric analysis identified three dominant research themes that comprehensively illustrate the state of research in this domain: strategic, sociocultural and individual-level perspectives. The synthesis of extant literature helped in formulating a holistic conceptual model that portrays the genuineness of racial discrimination in entrepreneurship. The sources, factors and impact of racial discrimination faced by entrepreneurs were identified. Based on the review and analysis of keywords, certain fruitful future research directions were formulated that will take the field forward.Originality/valueThis work is the first attempt to review the literature that narrows down the focus to racial discrimination in entrepreneurship (from other discriminations such as gender, cultural and religious discrimination) as one form of discrimination due to its unique origins and consequences.