Ethnic enterprises, class resources and market conditions: Indian owned SMEs in Malaysia

Abstract

This article investigates changes in the conduct of ethnic enterprises following the emergence of a new generation of owners with varying class resources and as market conditions transform. The case study method is used to examine the impact of changing class resources and market conditions on ethnically-based enterprises, exploring the effects of generational transitions among small Indian owned companies in the food industry in Malaysia. The results provide an insight into key changes in the evolution of Indian owned enterprises. They indicate that changes in class resources and market conditions have enabled Indian owned food-based companies to alter their products to fit a larger market, while responding to the demands of a rapidly modernizing society.