Search results

1 – 10 of 96
Article
Publication date: 1 March 2001

Arlene Broadhurst, Andrew Paterson and Grant Ledgerwood

Utilising qualitative research methodology, this pilot study of telecottages/business resource centres in South‐east England interviewed 13 centre managers to identify problems…

Abstract

Utilising qualitative research methodology, this pilot study of telecottages/business resource centres in South‐east England interviewed 13 centre managers to identify problems, needs, models and ideas that could be related to enterprise televillage development. The research also aimed to improve the quality of management guidance and the long‐term future for these centres. Questions were posed to identify the extent to which centre managers perceived their business strategies to be entrepreneurial and innovative, as they attempted to decrease dependence on public funding by generating additional business income. Emergent strategies, networking, telecommunications and building partnerships with both private and public organisations allowed some centres to expand and to move from total reliance on public funding to a mix of private and public sources of income. Although initial public funding is seen as an important factor in reducing the early vulnerability of business resource centres, the ability of opportunity‐seeking managers to develop an innovative range of services, including a mix of those offered free and those that required fees, was an important factor in survival. Two detailed case studies (private and mixed) are presented as generic prototypes.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 February 2020

Debapratim Purkayastha, Trilochan Tripathy and Biswajit Das

This paper aims to build upon the various studies conducted on the ecosystem and expands the understanding of the ecosystem of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in India. The…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to build upon the various studies conducted on the ecosystem and expands the understanding of the ecosystem of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in India. The discussions in this essay entail a literature review that analyzes the discourse on the ecosystem of MFIs, and based on this an attempt has been made to conceptually design a model for the ecosystem of MFIs in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors design the “Indian microfinance ecosystem model” based on the actors in the broader financial ecosystem (Bloom and Dees, 2008; Ledgerwood and Gibson, 2013) and the capital infrastructure and the context-setting factors of the social entrepreneurship ecosystem (Dees et al., 2008) that best describes the Indian MFI scenarios.

Findings

The ecosystem of MFIs in India is found to be very complicated. The interactions among numerous actors – who are core product or service providers, facilitators, client, beneficiaries, resource providers, competitors, complementary organizations, regulators, opponents and influential bystanders. The authors also observed that the capital infrastructure and context-setting factors such as policy, politics, media, economic and social conditions are equally crucial for the MFIs to survive and flourish. Moreover, the ecosystem is also dynamic and could change with the environmental conditions and entry of new entrants into the ecosystem.

Research limitations/implications

Understanding the ecosystem of MFIs from the strategic perspective would also be of interest to stakeholders such as donors, investors, banks, government and so on. For MFIs, knowing their place in the ecosystem is an essential step in determining their strategy.

Practical implications

Understanding the elements of the ecosystem would help MFIs to assess whether they have achieved the minimum critical environmental conditions in the ecosystem for their business model to succeed.

Social implications

Better understanding of the ecosystem will help create social benefits through better service delivery to the low-income population.

Originality/value

Expands the existing business ecosystem literature by extending it to the social policy, social entrepreneurship and more specifically to the microfinance sector. Fills a void in ecosystem literature by designing a comprehensive ecosystem model of MFIs in India. Understanding the ecosystem would help market system actors and facilitators to understand what they have to do to achieve their objectives of participating in the ecosystem. Knowing their place in the ecosystem is an essential step in determining what they should do and how they should do it. In addition to MFIs, it could have important implications for policymakers, particularly the government, that are trying to achieve financial inclusion.

Details

Social Enterprise Journal, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-8614

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 September 2023

Debadutta Kumar Panda

Microfinance programs across the countries are designed on the self-help and peer pressure model, aim at microentrepreneurship development. Despite of significant studies on…

Abstract

Purpose

Microfinance programs across the countries are designed on the self-help and peer pressure model, aim at microentrepreneurship development. Despite of significant studies on microfinance-supported microentrepreneurship (MSM), not a single literature examines it from the systems thinking. In addition to that, the extant literature did not look MSM from the behavioral perspectives. To address the above gaps, the present study aims to examine self-help group (SHG)-based microfinance programs from the systems approach using the Stimulus-Organism-Behavior-Consequence (SOBC) model.

Design/methodology/approach

Information gathered from 786 women SHG members from four states of India through a structured interview schedule. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were conducted to process data. Additional statistical tests were performed to test the reliability and validity.

Findings

It was found that the “positive stimulus” (social intermediation, financial intermediation and business development services) positively impacted; and “negative stimulus” (intermediation accountability, and intermediation assumption) negatively impact, to “motive” (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived control) for micro-entrepreneurship in the SHG-based microfinance. Further, “motive” positively predicted “behavioral intention”; the “behavioral intention” positively determined “consequences” of micro-entrepreneurship. Intermediation as stimuli acted as “input”; the motive and behavioral intention acted as the “process”, and the consequence acted as the “output” in the SHG-based microentrepreneurship system.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, this paper is the first one to examine the behavioral systems of microentrepreneurship programs through the Stimulus-Organism-Behavior-Consequence (SOBC) model.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-12-2022-0801

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 51 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2023

Zi-Chin Cheng, Wen-Qi Ruan, Shu-Ning Zhang and Fang Deng

This study aims to reveal the triggering mechanism and boundary conditions of tourists’ cross-border travel anxiety (CBTA) from different crisis information sources.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to reveal the triggering mechanism and boundary conditions of tourists’ cross-border travel anxiety (CBTA) from different crisis information sources.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the heuristic-systematic model (HSM), this study constructs a theoretical formation path of tourists’ CBTA. Based on competence-based and moral-based crises, hypotheses were examined through three situational experiments, targeting Chinese and Malaysian potential tourists.

Findings

Organization-released crisis information triggers higher tourists’ CBTA than government ones, with perceived uncertainty mediating it. Crisis communication message appeals (CCMAs) (rational vs emotional) negatively moderate the above relationships. Rational CCMAs work for governmental crisis communication, while emotional CCMAs work for organizational ones.

Practical implications

This study proposes a heuristic cross-border tourism crisis information dissemination strategy for destination management organizations and highlights the advantages of CCMAs in preventing secondary crises.

Originality/value

This study reexamines the cause-and-effect and the intervention mechanisms of tourists’ reactions to crisis information, which expands the cross-border tourism crisis management research and the application of the HSM in such a context.

目的

本研究旨在从不同的危机信息源中揭示游客跨境旅行焦虑的触发机制和边界条件。

设计/方法/途径

本研究借鉴启发式-系统式模型(HSM), 构建了游客跨境旅游焦虑的理论形成路径。基于能力型和道德型目的地危机事件, 以中国及马来西亚潜在游客为例, 通过三组情境实验验证所提出的假设。

研究发现

与政府发布的危机信息相比, 组织发布的危机信息会引发更高的游客跨境旅游焦虑, 而感知不确定性会对该路径起到中介作用。危机沟通信息诉求(理性vs.感性)对上述关系起负向调节作用。理性的信息诉求适用于政府危机沟通, 而感性的信息诉求适用于组织危机沟通。

实践意义

本研究为目的地管理组织提出了启发式跨境旅游危机信息传播策略, 并强调了危机沟通信息诉求在预防二次危机方面的优势。

原创性/价值

本研究重新审视了游客对危机信息反应的因果关系和干预机制, 拓展了跨境旅游危机管理研究和HSM在此背景下的应用。

Objetivo

Este estudio pretende revelar el mecanismo desencadenante y las condiciones límite de la ansiedad de los turistas ante los viajes transfronterizos (CBTA) a partir de diferentes fuentes de información sobre crisis (CIS).

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Basándose en el modelo heurístico-sistemático (HSM), este estudio construye una vía teórica de formación de la CBTA de los turistas. A partir de las crisis basadas en la competencia y en la moral, se examinaron las hipótesis mediante tres experimentos situacionales, dirigidos a turistas potenciales chinos y malayos.

Resultados

La información sobre crisis difundida por organizaciones desencadena una mayor CBTA de los turistas que la gubernamental, con la incertidumbre percibida como mediadora. Los recursos de los mensajes de comunicación de crisis (CCMA) (racionales frente a emocionales) moderan negativamente las relaciones anteriores. Los CCMA racionales funcionan para la comunicación de crisis gubernamental, mientras que los CCMA emocionales para las organizativas.

Implicaciones prácticas

Los resultados proponen que las organizaciones de gestión de destinos (OGD) deberían considerar estrategias heurísticas a la hora de difundir información sobre crisis turísticas transfronterizas. Prestar atención al efecto diferencial de las CCMA ayuda a prevenir crisis secundarias.

Originalidad/valor

Este estudio reexamina la causa-efecto y los mecanismos de intervención de las reacciones de los turistas a la información sobre crisis, lo que amplía la investigación sobre la gestión de crisis turísticas transfronterizas y la aplicación de la HSM en dicho contexto.

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2004

Peter Koveos and Dipinder Randhawa

The objective of this study is to analyze the framework within which microfinance institutions (MFIs) deliver their services and provide an assessment of their operations and…

4213

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the framework within which microfinance institutions (MFIs) deliver their services and provide an assessment of their operations and financial management. These institutions are examined because of their current importance to a special group of consumers, primarily the poor and disenfranchised in the developing world, and of their future promise as an economic development solution. Since the objective of these institutions is somewhat unique, the manner of their assessment must also differ from that used to assess the performance of traditional financial intermediaries. In particular, assessment of MFIs must recognize their dual (bank and development instrument) status. Their efficiency, then, must be analyzed in terms of its economic (or financial) dimension as well as its social dimension. The first dimension may be examined with traditional measures, while examination of the second requires measures that reflect the MFI’s social objectives. In order to accommodate the special nature of MFIs, this study proposes the use of a Balanced Scorecard approach. It contributes to the study of financial institution performance by examining a non‐traditional group of institutions using a variety of assessment measures. The findings should be of value to those interested in the financial sector as well as those involved in public policy decision making.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 30 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2018

Tamilla Curtis and John R. Ledgerwood

The purpose of this study is to identify students’ motivations and perceived benefits of engaging in study abroad programs, as well as challenges and missed opportunities.

2232

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify students’ motivations and perceived benefits of engaging in study abroad programs, as well as challenges and missed opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was sent to random samples of students on two university campuses. Descriptive statistics and frequency analyses were conducted with the use of the SPSS data management software package.

Findings

Despite the majority of students having previous international travel experience and understanding the benefits of study abroad programs, most of them will not pursue the possibility to enroll in the study abroad programs. Contrary, most of respondents did express an interest to participate in international co-op/internship opportunities while attending the university. The study identified motivations, perceived benefits and constraints for students to enroll in study abroad programs.

Research limitations/implications

Further research using samples from different universities and colleges would present a more comprehensive picture of motivations, expectations and constraints.

Practical implications

Educators should promote study abroad program benefits and clearly identify the link between international experiences and future students’ employability. Study abroad programs can serve as important tool for increasing overall students’ retention and recruitment.

Social implications

In higher education, study abroad programs can serve as important tool for increasing overall students’ retention and recruitment.

Originality/value

This research uncovers students’ study abroad intent, interests, motivations, perceived personal and professional benefits and desired structure for the program. The findings provide insights into how administrators can enhance the value of the summer study abroad program offered by higher educational institutions.

Details

Journal of International Education in Business, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-469X

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 1 January 2009

Frank R. Gunter

The Government of Iraq (GoI) and the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq have used microfinance institutions (MFIs) as part of their counterinsurgency campaign. This raises several…

Abstract

The Government of Iraq (GoI) and the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq have used microfinance institutions (MFIs) as part of their counterinsurgency campaign. This raises several questions. What role can MFIs play in counterinsurgency? Are the economic or civilian and military motivations for supporting microfinance convergent or divergent? What constraints does conflict impose on microfinance borrowers, lenders, and institutions and how can an MFI ameliorate these constraints? Analyzing these issues is the core of this chapter.

Details

Moving Beyond Storytelling: Emerging Research in Microfinance
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-682-3

Book part
Publication date: 25 August 2020

Grant J. Rich and Skultip (Jill) Sirikantraporn

After decades of focus on disaster, crisis, and trauma itself, in recent years more attention has been devoted to the study of human strengths and resilience, as reflected in the…

Abstract

After decades of focus on disaster, crisis, and trauma itself, in recent years more attention has been devoted to the study of human strengths and resilience, as reflected in the rise of positive psychology and strengths-based social work. In particular, psychological growth after trauma has been increasingly studied, and one of the official terms referring to the phenomenon is posttraumatic growth (PTG). The PTG literature reflects work on positive psychology, trauma recovery, and resilience. The main components associated with PTG are new possibilities, interpersonal growth, personal growth, appreciation for life, and spiritual change (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2014). These domains have been tested and measured with a scale, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. While PTG and related concepts such as resilience have been studied in various populations, they have not yet been investigated extensively in Southeast Asia (SEA) populations. This chapter explores the psychological examination of resilience and PTG in the SEA context, with some discussion of the background of both positive psychological concepts and PTG research cross-culturally, and their application to the SEA region specifically. Brief relevant trauma history of the region, such as human-made and natural hazards impacting the region’s individuals and communities, and similarities and differences in the results of these traumas will be described. Implications for broader international work as well as cultural and clinical implications also will be discussed in this chapter.

Details

Resistance, Resilience, and Recovery from Disasters: Perspectives from Southeast Asia
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-791-1

Keywords

1 – 10 of 96