Revival of the traditional handicraft enterprising community in Pakistan
Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy
ISSN: 1750-6204
Article publication date: 1 December 2020
Issue publication date: 27 July 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine issues affecting the growth and survival of traditional handicraft enterprising community in Pakistan, and analyzes their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, as well as develops strategic solutions to overcome the problems identified for their revival.
Design/methodology/approach
This exploratory study is based on a descriptive approach because it attempts to investigate the critical issues faced by traditional handicraft enterprising community. To operationalize the theoretical approach, this paper used a SWOT analysis of craft enterprising community. After thoroughly reviewing relevant literature, this study put forward strategic solutions for the revival of the traditional enterprising community. Moreover, secondary data on employment and gender wage gap were used to provide empirical evidence of the issues identified and emphasize the importance of strategic solutions.
Findings
This study found that traditional handicraft producers are facing many problems that hinder their survival and growth. This paper, therefore, makes some essential strategic recommendations on how to overcome these issues. The current research argues that Pakistan’s handicraft industry must be revived; else, centuries-old traditional culture and patrimonial knowledge will vanish. Moreover, there is a need to attract foreign investment to overcome resource limitations and improve the competitive capability of the enterprising community. Notably, government intervention is necessary for the revival of the traditional handicraft industry.
Originality/value
This study provides in-depth knowledge of issues faced by the Pakistani traditional handicraft enterprising community and suggests possible strategic solutions for the problems identified. Unlike previous studies, this research also discusses the essential characteristics of traditional handicrafts that differentiate them from identical mechanized products.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are very grateful to the Editor-in-Chief Prof Dana, Leo-Paul and two anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments and suggestions on the earlier version of this article. The authors are also thankful to Mr Ahmed Farooq for providing his expert suggestions related to the revival of the Pakistani handicraft enterprising community.
Citation
Shafi, M., Yin, L., Yuan, Y. and Zoya (2021), "Revival of the traditional handicraft enterprising community in Pakistan", Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 477-507. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEC-07-2020-0129
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited