ABSTRACT
Patterns of Cuban economic activity in South Florida have been described on the basis of individual survey data, census data, and input-output matrices of relationships among ethnic firms. Most immigrant groups and ethnic minorities that emerged in their aftermath have not been business oriented. The psychological perspective stresses a series of subjective traits, such as achievement orientation, ability to postpone gratification, and willingness to take risks, that are said to be conducive to entrepreneurial behavior. Strong ethnic institutions promote in-group solidarity and support, directly or indirectly, entrepreneurial initiatives. The chapter summarizes the first-hand information collected from informants in South Florida and brings it to bear on the theories. Occupational organizations have been created mostly by professionals and date back to the early years of the exodus. The story of the emergence of the Miami ethnic economy offers a telling example of the limitations of single-factor theories of entrepreneurial behavior.
