Modeling Industrial Sociology in the Discourse of Entrepreneurship Development

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is mainstreamed in development literature especially employment creation and poverty reduction. This paper models industrial sociology to show evidence from utilization of mobile telecommunication and small scale business. Theoretically, Rational Choice Theory is adopted. Sample, 1600 was drawn from the study on GSM services in Ibadan and sample, 100 was drawn from the study on small scale business in Sabo-Gari Kano. Random ballot and accidental sampling techniques were applied. Both studies were descriptive designed. Data were collected and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. In Ibadan, 78.9% identified source of income for livelihood, 75.7% engaged wholesale and retail airtime sales, phone repairs (45.3%), and internet business (62.3%). In Kano, respondents identified income status (89.1%), increased sales (87.8%), expansion in size of business (67.5%) and poverty reduction (81.9%). GSM gains in Ibadan triggered ancillary economic activities, recharge card sales, phone accessories stores and repairs. Traders in Kano thrived because social interaction was attraction for customers. In both studies, respondents maintained social relationship with customers, were humble and patient in speech, dressed neatly to attract customers. The conjunct of social and economic action of respondents is model of analysis in economic sociology which overlaps sociology and economics. Industrial sociology therefore, is window of socio economic base of entrepreneurship which sustains the economic base.