Navigating the Legal Landscape: Rights Awareness and Success in Migrant Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Legal awareness, which includes knowledge of personal, economic, political, cultural, and social rights, plays a fundamental role in entrepreneurial success yet remains underexplored in the context of migrant entrepreneurship. This study examines how multidimensional legal awareness influences the perceived entrepreneurial success of interstate migrant entrepreneurs in Kerala, India. Drawing on Institutional Theory, legal awareness is conceptualized as a vital internal competency that reduces uncertainty, facilitates strategic decision-making, and enhances access to institutional resources. Using a quantitative survey of 298 migrant entrepreneurs, the study employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the direct effects of different legal-rights dimensions on entrepreneurial success perceptions. The findings reveal that legal awareness significantly contributes to entrepreneurs’ ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, build social legitimacy, and sustain their ventures. Economic rights awareness emerges as a particularly strong driver by providing entrepreneurs with protections that underpin business stability and innovation. Cultural and personal rights also play crucial roles by fostering community acceptance and ensuring operational autonomy. Political and social rights, while less direct, empower entrepreneurs to engage with governance and maintain resilience through social inclusion. This research advances Institutional Theory by demonstrating that knowledge of formal legal rights is not merely contextual background but a key resource actively leveraged by migrant entrepreneurs to achieve success. The study provides practical insights for policymakers and support organizations, highlighting the importance of targeted legal education, culturally informed entrepreneurship programs, and accessible legal resources to empower migrant entrepreneurs in emerging economies. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the legal dimensions of entrepreneurial success and offer actionable strategies for fostering inclusive and resilient migrant entrepreneurship.