Local and Syrian entrepreneurs' thoughts on competition and integration: The case of Gaziantep

In this study, the thoughts and experiences of Syrian immigrants who came to Turkey due to forced migration and became entrepreneurs after the Syrian Civil War and domestic entrepreneurs operating in the same region were examined. These individuals' experiences and thoughts on entrepreneurship, competition, and integration were compared with those of Turkish entrepreneurs. This study employed a qualitative research approach, specifically a case study design, based on approaches to immigrant entrepreneurial experiences and integration theories. This cross-case study aims to find out how both local and Syrian entrepreneurs started their businesses, what they learned, how they perceived each other as competitors, the levels of interaction, and the role of business administration in the integration process of Syrian immigrants. The sample of the study consists of 31 business owners, 15 of whom are local and 16 of whom are Syrian, who operate in the food and personal services sector in Gaziantep. The theoretical sampling technique was used to determine the sample of the study. The researcher developed a semi-structured interview form as an instrument for data collection. Data were analyzed using the explanatory analysis technique in the qualitative analysis program MAXQDA. As a result of the research, it was found that local entrepreneurs and Syrian entrepreneurs have low perceptions of competition, that entrepreneurship contributes positively to social well-being, that business space creates social contact points, and that entrepreneurial activities increase immigrants' interaction with local society so that their integration contributes positively.