International Journal of Manpower

Purpose – The objective of the paper is to shed light on the prima facie divergence of work values of various ethnic minorities in France. The paper aims to evaluate the influence of entrepreneurial capital on labour market values and outcomes for each ethnic minority.

Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a French survey rich in attitudinal variables, matched with the French 1999 census of the population. It hinges on the regional variability of entrepreneurial ethnic networks in order to identify the impact of the latter on work values and professional integration of ethnic minorities.

Findings – It is shown that the contrasted labour market outcomes and work values of immigrants from North Africa and Southern Europe are, statistically, totally explained away by their different levels of entrepreneurial capital.

Originality/value – This study hinges on a recent survey, which contains unusual information about the immigrant population of the first and second generation in France. Statistical analysis is made possible by the over-representation of these groups in the sample design. This paper is one of the first studies into the subjective work values of immigrants in France. The results enter an unchartered territory and provide original evidence of the importance of entrepreneurial ethnic networks in France.