Entrepreneurial skill and regulation: Evidence from primary sector rural entrepreneurs
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
ISSN: 1355-2554
Article publication date: 11 April 2016
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to undertake a qualitative case-based analysis of the factors affecting the capability of primary sector rural entrepreneurs to manage regulation. The authors suggest a conceptual framework to aid understanding of their skill and capability when managing regulation.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a multiple case study approach the entrepreneurial skill of rural entrepreneurs is examined in light of three sets of factors: institutional regulatory, social capital and economic market.
Findings
The case analysis indicates diversity in the skill of rural entrepreneurs to manage regulation across sub-sectors including dairy and stock farming, fruit growers and vegetable/horticultural producers. The conceptual framework indicates that there are three areas that influence entrepreneurial skill: relationships with national cooperatives, relationships with the institutional regulatory environment and relationships with the economic market environment. This provides the authors with a conceptual framework to aid understanding of the interplay of factors affecting entrepreneurial skill and capability to manage regulation.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the emerging stream of literature highlighting the importance of industry sector context for understanding the complex and differing regulatory effects on entrepreneurs’ skill and hence capability to manage. Case comparisons allow the authors to explain and understand why entrepreneurs that operate similar businesses within the same sector respond differently to regulation.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge funding from a Royal Society Cross Departmental Pool and help and support from NZ’s Inland Revenue Department which has made this study possible.
Citation
Deakins, D., Bensemann, J. and Battisti, M. (2016), "Entrepreneurial skill and regulation: Evidence from primary sector rural entrepreneurs", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 234-259. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-12-2014-0240
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited