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1 – 10 of over 15000Sujata Mukherjee and Santana Pathak
Among the various global options for self-employment, venturing into the micro-enterprise sector has been recognized as an important way for employment generation and poverty…
Abstract
Among the various global options for self-employment, venturing into the micro-enterprise sector has been recognized as an important way for employment generation and poverty alleviation in many developing/emerging economies. In this context, women-owned businesses at the grassroots play a vital role in developing countries like India far beyond contributing to job creation and economic growth. The informal sector is a sizeable and expanding feature of the contemporary global economy.
However, the informal economy operates at the cusp of the institutional framework, which makes them susceptible to many risks like lack of formal financing options, legal aid or increasing margin through access to formal markets. Non-Profit Development Agencies (NPDAs) have emerged as a viable and essential middle ground support in promoting women entrepreneurship in their capacity to contribute beyond governmental institutions.
The study adopted an inductive qualitative option through a case study design to explore the approaches adopted by NPDAs in promoting micro-entrepreneurship among women at the base of the pyramid (BoP) in the urban informal sector in India. The findings suggest that the NPDAs created an impact through the services, which translated into monetary earnings for the entrepreneurs. They could make financial contributions to their families, which boosted their self-confidence and overall personality. The findings also indicate positive changes like increased self-confidence, self-dependence, and inner strength as reported by the entrepreneurs.
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Emmanuel Mensah Asiedu, Susan Shortland, Yehia Sabri Nawar, Paul J. Jackson and Laura Baker
The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of mobile technology and related service platforms in supporting informal micro-entrepreneurships in rural Ghana. It aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of mobile technology and related service platforms in supporting informal micro-entrepreneurships in rural Ghana. It aims to extend our knowledge through the development of a conceptual model.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research design used in-depth semi-structured interviews with five micro-entrepreneurship owners in the Kwahu South District in the Eastern region of Ghana. Identification of potential case firms was facilitated by a local official. Interview data were analysed thematically.
Findings
Mobile technology engendered pride and emotional connectedness and, being easy to use, helped to increase business confidence. Adoption advantages included improved communications with customers and business partners, and effective stock control, providing competitive advantage. Further understanding of mobile technology’s role in improving business processes is needed.
Research limitations/implications
This exploratory research is based on five micro-entrepreneurships in one Ghanaian rural area. Further research is needed using larger samples, additional locations and sectors and larger businesses, to identify other factors influencing mobile technology adoption and associated benefits and problems.
Practical implications
Government policy supporting growth of informal micro-entrepreneurships using mobile phone technology could increase economic advantage. Micro-business owners need education and training in understanding business processes. Telecommunications companies can highlight technological, business and socio-cultural benefits of mobile phone adoption in rural Ghana.
Originality/value
The paper draws upon the experiences of a range of rural-based Ghanaian micro-entrepreneurships to propose a model setting out and linking the technical, business and socio-cultural benefits of mobile phone adoption in supporting business processes.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors which motivate women's informal micro‐entrepreneurship in Malaysia.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors which motivate women's informal micro‐entrepreneurship in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
The qualitative analysis employed in this paper is based upon empirical findings from field work conducted in the state of Penang on the north‐western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. In total, 39 hawkers (petty traders) were interviewed using an interview guide which contained open‐ended questions regarding work‐life history, labor market choices and conditions of work. The paper presents two selected case stories, as well as the general findings across the whole sample.
Findings
In contrast to the view that women's informal micro‐entrepreneurship is motivated only by “involuntary exclusion from the labor market” or “poverty”, this paper has found that women's micro‐entrepreneurship can be motivated by a wide range of factors including: to earn an income; interest in doing business; increased flexibility and autonomy; possibility to combine with family obligations; and re‐negotiating spatial practices. Conclusive with previous studies it also argues that necessity and choice may be “co‐present” in the motives to enter into entrepreneurship.
Research limitations/implications
The limited sample of this study has implications for the generalizability of results. Further studies into the women's micro‐entrepreneurial activities in Malaysia are therefore encouraged.
Social implications
Women's micro‐entrepreneurship is increasingly being promoted as a way to create growth and development (particularly through micro‐credit schemes). Increasing knowledge around motivational factors, performance and conditions of work for women informal micro‐entrepreneurs is therefore important when trying to establish appropriate policies.
Originality/value
There are very few studies in the Malaysian context which focus upon women's informal micro‐entrepreneurship in general and hawking in particular. This study therefore presents new knowledge around women's informal micro‐entrepreneurship in Malaysia.
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Ali Davari, Mona Zehtabi, Mostafa Negati and Mohammad Ehsan Zehtabi
Entrepreneurship development is known as a key enabler of economic development, hence it has been contemplated in the strategic plans of various countries. Iran is no exception in…
Abstract
Purpose
Entrepreneurship development is known as a key enabler of economic development, hence it has been contemplated in the strategic plans of various countries. Iran is no exception in that regard, since developing entrepreneurship has been emphasized in the country's third and fourth development plans, in order to tackle the increasing rate of population growth and unemployment. Now, as the fourth development plan has come to its end, it is necessary to evaluate the policies and programs related to entrepreneurship. The purpose of this paper is to assess the entrepreneurial development plans of this important Middle East country to provide a benchmark of influential policies on entrepreneurship development at both macro and micro level and to evaluate them accordingly.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative methods, namely survey and questionnaire distribution among experts dealing with entrepreneurship subjects have been used as the main method for data collection.
Findings
The results reveal that influential entrepreneurship policies at both macro and micro levels are not generally forward‐looking and supportive of entrepreneurship development. Therefore, some suggestions have been provided to develop these policies.
Originality/value
The paper presents findings of research which come from a rapidly‐growing, developing country, which can provide better insights from a less‐explored context and further add to the body of knowledge.
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Fanny Adams Quagrainie and Ama Abakoma Dankwa
The purpose of this paper is to explore the learning effects of entrepreneurial failure (EF) among micro-women entrepreneurship in Accra.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the learning effects of entrepreneurial failure (EF) among micro-women entrepreneurship in Accra.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a qualitative research method, purposive sampling was used to identify 64 micro-women entrepreneurs, and data was collected using interviews.
Findings
Linked to the experiential learning theory, the study found that consequences of EF provide an entrepreneurial learning platform that influences micro-women entrepreneurs to acquire new skills and knowledge for their entrepreneurial development, incurred costs that negatively affect operations, acquired no knowledge or take a decision to opt-out of entrepreneurship as a carrier.
Research limitations/implications
The study was based on a relatively small sample size of 64 participants which made it difficult to generalize the findings despite the benefits of the research methods adopted in the study.
Originality/value
The study contributed to the EF literature with micro-women entrepreneurs in an African context. It highlights the possible additional learning consequences of EF which are being scared of entrepreneurial venturing as a result of their failure. This negatively impacts the desire to engage in entrepreneurship as a future career. The identification of irrelevant learning consequences of EF, suggests that the existing experiential learning theory may need to be revised to further enhance its applicability in micro-women entrepreneurship in different cultural contexts, as not all experiences result in learning.
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James A. Cunningham and Matthias Menter
This paper examines and discusses the need for micro-level analyses of academic entrepreneurship and outlines a micro-level research agenda for the study of academic…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines and discusses the need for micro-level analyses of academic entrepreneurship and outlines a micro-level research agenda for the study of academic entrepreneurship.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a review of academic literature on academic entrepreneurship, this study focuses on individual actors and suggests some future research agendas.
Findings
The authors highlight that more studies dealing with academic entrepreneurship need to take a micro-level perspective, thereby outline several fruitful avenues of research: (1) star scientists and principal investigators, (2) TTO professionals, (3) graduate entrepreneurs, (4) university administrators, (5) policy makers and funders as well as (6) micro-level organisational routines.
Practical implications
This paper derives three main implications for management practice and policy. First, there is a real need to develop the managerial skills, competencies and capabilities of scientists and individuals. Second, policy makers need to ensure the necessary resources to pursue a paradigm shift towards more entrepreneurial thinking and action and create adequate incentives. Third, firms need to offer support and guidance on how to best commercialise and transfer scientific knowledge and ideally complement support structures of universities and research institutes.
Originality/value
This paper provides an organising framework for the study of micro-level academic entrepreneurship and emphasises the need to focus further on individual actors and how their actions, behaviours and approaches contribute to academic entrepreneurship in different institutional, environmental and cultural contexts.
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Fanny Adams Quagrainie, Abigail Opoku Mensah and Alex Yaw Adom
Review of literature suggests mixed findings on the relationship between the church and micro women entrepreneurship development. This signals that questions remain about the…
Abstract
Purpose
Review of literature suggests mixed findings on the relationship between the church and micro women entrepreneurship development. This signals that questions remain about the roles of churches in entrepreneurial development. Thus, this paper aims to explore what entrepreneurial activities are provided by churches to their micro women entrepreneurs and how do these activities influence their entrepreneurial start up and growth.
Design/methodology/approach
Phenomenological research methodologies were used to purposive collected data from 38 women entrepreneurs and four church administers in Tema. Results were analyzed using the emergent strategy.
Findings
The results suggest that churches provided four entrepreneurial activities which are categorized as finance, networking, promotion of self-confidence and impartation of ethical values. These factors promoted the growth of women entrepreneurial growth but not the start-up of entrepreneurial ventures. The study concluded that the church should provide more support for new entrepreneurial ventures. Therefore, embeddedness because of membership of a church is a critical part of women entrepreneurship development.
Research limitations/implications
Further studies will need to replicate these findings with other types of businesses, in other locations.
Practical implications
This study suggests that policymakers should be working in conjunction with churches in a bid to promote micro women entrepreneurship development.
Originality/value
Limited research has been conducted on church entrepreneurial activities in the development of micro women entrepreneurs in developing economies such as Ghana. This empirical research provides important insights into this field.
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Kanwal Anil, Anil Misra and Ruchika Bal
The case projects how a women-led social enterprise provides livelihoods through a digitally operated unique micro-entrepreneurship model for the rural artisans of the Indian…
Abstract
Social implications
The case projects how a women-led social enterprise provides livelihoods through a digitally operated unique micro-entrepreneurship model for the rural artisans of the Indian handicrafts industry, thus bringing about social change through economic empowerment of the community.
Learning outcomes
To understand how women entrepreneurship is contributing towards livelihood generation and rural artisan empowerment in India. To understand the make-up of a for-profit social enterprise in the Indian Handicrafts Industry, its challenges and solutions through innovative business. To present the mindset and journey of a woman social entrepreneur. To present and understand the growth and scaling up of such unique social ventures. To understand a unique form of the micro entrepreneurship model being built through digital platforms.
Case overview/synopsis
The objective of writing this case is to bring out a case of women entrepreneurship in the craft-based industry in India. This case seeks to emphasise on the following learning themes in the area of entrepreneurship: Women entrepreneurship: trials and tribulations. Micro entrepreneurship/rural artisan empowerment. Livelihood generation and upliftment of the rural artisans and revival of dying art and crafts in the Indian craft-based industry. The novel ecommerce and data analytics experience being skilfully incorporated by small enterprises to their vantage and making both the seller’s as well as the buyer’s experience unique. The case highlights how the unique business models of social entrepreneurship through the use of technology bring the digital experience to rural India. Social entrepreneurship. The case narrates the story of a budding social entrepreneur Megha Das who is a textile designer by profession and showcases her journey towards the creation of unique digital platforms which transf
Complexity academic level
The case has been targeted to be taught in Masters level course in business management/administration, entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, development studies, gender studies, design, etc. Its watered-down version can also be taught in under graduate programs in commerce, business management, business administration, fashion and textile designing, entrepreneurship, development studies, gender studies, etc.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CCS 3: Entrepreneurship.
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Moisés Librado González and Natanael Ramírez Angulo
The Mexican economy is characterized by an extensive business fabric and entrepreneurial culture, which contributes to economic development, the social economy, and the…
Abstract
The Mexican economy is characterized by an extensive business fabric and entrepreneurial culture, which contributes to economic development, the social economy, and the proliferation of entrepreneurship. The effects are reflected in the quality of life, in the growth of employment, in the knowledge spillovers, and in the socioeconomic factors. This chapter offers a contextual review of enterprise creation in Mexico and its relationship on development and entrepreneurship. Following the Economic Censuses and National Survey on Productivity and Competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ENAPROCE in Spanish), the profile of entrepreneurs in the period 2009–2014 is analyzed. A conceptual contribution is made from the antecedents of the entrepreneurship to evaluate the success factors and determinants that influence the entrepreneurship in the context of Mexico. Within the findings, regions with entrepreneurial culture are precursors of a competitive process and impulse in employment; at the same time, regions with a low level of GDP per capita and low level of development register high rates of new enterprises, most classified as subsistence enterprises.
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Morgan P. Miles, Stuart Crispin and Chickery J. Kasouf
The purpose of this paper is to better define the contribution of entrepreneurship to the advancement of marketing thought.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to better define the contribution of entrepreneurship to the advancement of marketing thought.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a literature review that uses examples from the literature to propose new research directions.
Findings
The paper proposes research opportunities, and concludes that the contributions of entrepreneurship to normative macro‐marketing are largely absent.
Practical implications
The marketing/entrepreneurship interface continues to be a connection that is difficult to define. Yet, it is an area with rich research potential, and it is critical that marketing embraces these opportunities to strengthen its strategic focus as a discipline.
Originality/value
The paper integrates literature from a variety of perspectives from marketing and related fields, and maps the marketing/entrepreneurship interface on Hunt's classification schema.
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