Entrepreneurial bricolage in smallholder commercial farming: a family business perspective
Journal of Family Business Management
ISSN: 2043-6238
Article publication date: 26 October 2020
Issue publication date: 21 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse how entrepreneurial bricolage empowers smallholder commercial farming, from a family business perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed a multiple case study design to analyse entrepreneurial bricolage in smallholder commercial farming in Uganda. It used multiple data collection methods and applied content analytical tchniques to establish cross-case correlations, patterns and relationships to aid in theory development and testing.
Findings
The study shows that entrepreneurial bricolage empowers smallholder commercialization through resource reallocation, improvization and prioritization as interconnected, self-reinforcing bricolage processes in smallholder farming. It provides evidence of how smallholder farms may not enact institutional limits, and overcome constraints imposed by their resource environments. It further reveals that smallholder commercial farms can be construed as family businesses given the interconnected relationship between farming business, family and smallholder farm(er).
Research limitations/implications
The study was conducted in smallholder farms hence results may be used cautiously in other sectors and economies where resource environments are not structurally defined. However, it provides lessons for family businesses in developed countries particularly the micro- and small businesses. It also renders smallholder farming as a lucrative area for family business research.
Originality/value
This study deepens our understanding of bricolage in smallholder farming and provides a springboard for scholarship in enhancing smallholder commercialization. It proposes a model for entrepreneurial bricolage in smallholder commercial farming.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper is derived from a Doctoral research project titled “Commercialisation of Smallholder Farms” that was funded by Makerere University Business School (MUBS). We appreciate the management of MUBS for the support rendered during the study.
Citation
Tindiwensi, C.K., Abaho, E., Munene, J.C., Muhwezi, M. and Nkote, I.N. (2021), "Entrepreneurial bricolage in smallholder commercial farming: a family business perspective", Journal of Family Business Management, Vol. 11 No. 4, pp. 423-439. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFBM-04-2020-0036
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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