Indigenous Entrepreneurship Research Articles

Dynamism and performance of indigenous entrepreneurs: role of tribal culture and failure of policy incentives in Mizoram (India)

This paper aims at exploring the drivers of entrepreneurial dynamism and performance in indigenous societies. In Mizoram (India) with a predominantly tribal population, the government has actively intervened to encourage entrepreneurship through policy incentives/subsidies. Yet, the region continues to lag behind in entrepreneurship development. In an attempt to explain this apparent failure of conventional policies to promote entrepreneurship in Mizoram (India), this paper explores the factors that could potentially determine entrepreneurial dynamism and performance in an indigenous society through the lens of their tribal culture and institutions. Our results show that tribal values are the prime drivers of entrepreneurial dynamism, while conventional traits and attitudes have no impact, disproving two dominant narratives. We also find that conventional subsidies have a negative impact on profitability, perhaps due a dampening effect of subsidies on dynamism.

Dynamism and performance of indigenous entrepreneurs: role of tribal culture and failure of policy incentives in Mizoram (India)

This paper aims at exploring the drivers of entrepreneurial dynamism and performance in indigenous societies. In Mizoram (India) with a predominantly tribal population, the government has actively intervened to encourage entrepreneurship through policy incentives/subsidies. Yet, the region continues to lag behind in entrepreneurship development. In an attempt to explain this apparent failure of conventional policies to promote entrepreneurship in Mizoram (India), this paper explores the factors that could potentially determine entrepreneurial dynamism and performance in an indigenous society through the lens of their tribal culture and institutions. Our results show that tribal values are the prime drivers of entrepreneurial dynamism, while conventional traits and attitudes have no impact, disproving two dominant narratives. We also find that conventional subsidies have a negative impact on profitability, perhaps due a dampening effect of subsidies on dynamism.

, Becker Jacobsen, & Carina Ren

, Becker Jacobsen, & Carina Ren

Developing an Integrative Dynamic Framework of Indigenous Entrepreneurship: The Case of United Arab Emirates

ABSTRACTExisting models of indigenous entrepreneurship focus more on the contextual settings of indigenous people. Consequently, less is known with regard to how these contexts may affect the national leadership vision, resulting policies for the indigenous population and associated outcomes. In order to address these gaps, the current article proposes a conceptual model of indigenous entrepreneurship. The proposed model posits that a more flexible and emergent approach is needed in light of the changing economic and sociocultural realities of an indigenous context. The model is applied to examine indigenous entrepreneurship in the United Arab Emirates.

Administration of the Indigenous Entrepreneurship Model on a Sample of Young Entrepreneurs

This research applies the indigenous entrepreneurship model developed at the center for entrepreneurial development at IBA Karachi. This model is based on the pre-effectuation principles and effectuation theory of entrepreneurship. The model is different from the existing utilitarian models. The model signifies the importance of nation-building and family orientation to pursue an entrepreneurial journey. The efficacy of the model has been tested on a sample of 500 young participants (men and women) during the Entrepreneurship Programs. Effectuation and Pre-effectuation have been tested on a sample of 500 participants (including both men and women), and Nation-building and Family orientation is tested amongst the sample of women only. The paper reveals the impact of entrepreneurial mindset training and coaching in Karachi and Faisalabad. For the efficacy of the indigenous entrepreneurship model, the research paper presents the sample case studies.

Indigenous women entrepreneurship: analysis of a promising research theme at the intersection of indigenous entrepreneurship and women entrepreneurship

ABSTRACTThis conceptual paper presents an international overview of Indigenous women entrepreneurship and consequentially develops the indigenous-gendered integrated perspective applied to the analysis of this emerging and promising research theme. Within the analytical tools of intersectionality and positionality, the complexity of IWE is outlined as well as the intersections discussed. The paper explores how the intersection of Indigenous entrepreneurship and Women entrepreneurship can contribute to the understanding of IWE and what theoretical and practical implications this can have.

What counts as an indigenous enterprise? Evidence from Aotearoa New Zealand

PurposeThis paper aims to contribute to indigenous entrepreneurship theory by identifying what constitutes an indigenous enterprise, focussing on Aotearoa New Zealand as a case.Design/methodology/approachThis paper combines policy (quantitative survey) and academic research (qualitative interviews) to answer the same question, what is an indigenous enterprise in Aotearoa New Zealand?FindingsThe authors found a degree of consistency as to what counts as an indigenous enterprise in the literature (e.g., identity, ownership, values), yet a consensus on a definition of Maori business remains elusive. They also found that an understanding of the indigenous economy and indigenous entrepreneurial policy are impeded because of definitional uncertainties. The authors propose a definition of Maori business which accounts for indigenous ownership, identity, values and well-being.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation is that the literature and research use different definitions of indigenous enterprise, constraining comparative analysis. The next step is to evaluate our definition as a basis for quantifying the population of indigenous enterprises in Aotearoa New Zealand.Practical implicationsThe research assists indigenous entrepreneurs to identify, measure and account for their contribution to indigenous self-determination and sustainable development.Social implicationsThis research has the potential to reconceptualise indigenous enterprise as a distinct and legitimate alternative institutional theory of the firm.Originality/valueThe research challenges assumptions and knowledge of entrepreneurship policy and practice generally and the understanding of what is the nature and extent of an indigenous firm.

Australian Indigenous Art Innovation and Culturepreneurship in Practice: Insights for Cultural Tourism

Indigenous cultural tourism offers significant future opportunities for countries, cities and Indigenous communities, but the development of new offerings can be problematic. Addressing this challenge, this article examines contemporary Australian Indigenous art innovation and cultural entrepreneurship or culturepreneurship emanating from Australia’s remote Arnhem Land art and culture centres and provides insight into the future development of Indigenous cultural tourism. Using art- and culture-focused field studies and recent literature from the diverse disciplines of art history, tourism, sociology and economics, this article investigates examples of successful Indigenous artistic innovation and culturepreneurship that operate within the context of cultural tourism events. From this investigation, this article introduces and defines the original concept of Indigenous culturepreneurship and provides six practical criteria for those interested in developing future Indigenous cultural tourism ventures. These findings not only challenge existing western definitions of both culture and culturepreneurship but also affirm the vital role of innovation in both contemporary Indigenous art and culturepreneurial practice. Equally importantly, this investigation illuminates Indigenous culturepreneurship as an important future-making socio-political and economic practice for the potential benefit of Indigenous communities concerned with maintaining and promoting their cultures as living, growing and relevant in the contemporary world.

Why is indigenous entrepreneurship important to cross-cultural management scholarship?

Why is indigenous entrepreneurship important to cross-cultural management scholarship?

Unfolding tensions within post-settlement governance and tribal economies in Aotearoa New Zealand

PurposeThis paper aims to examine indigenous governance and economies of iwi Maori (Maori tribes) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Research into persisting inequities amongst iwi that have settled treaty claims and the potential for intervention through new governance models and indigenous entrepreneurship contextualise the paper.Design/methodology/approachKaupapa Maori (Maori philosophy) is used as an indigenous methodology to facilitate and empower transformative change, underpinned by Maori knowledge, language and culture. A multi-level approach is used to collect data from international, national and local tribal organisations. Validity is established through stakeholder engagement.FindingsA central challenge in the post-treaty settlement context is exponentialising tribal capabilities because of the multiple purposes ascribed to post-settled iwi. Four themes, characterised as “unfolding tensions”, offer a critique and basis for solving tribal development challenges: how do tribes create culturally grounded global citizens; how do tribes rebalance wealth creation and wealth distribution; how do tribes recalibrate tribal institutions; and how do tribes embed entrepreneurship and innovation within their economies?Research limitations/implicationsAs data collection is still underway, the paper is conceptual.Practical implicationsFive strategies to address unfolding tensions are identified for tribes to consider.Social implicationsTribal governors and tribal members are implicated in the analysis, as well as the architects of post-treaty settlement governance models.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to theorising about tribal governance, economies and entrepreneurship.

Emergence of the small-scale iron foundry industry in Howrah (India), 1833–1913

This article explores the emergence of small-scale iron foundries in the Howrah district of India. Based on the empirical findings the article contributes to the debate on indigenous entrepreneurship in colonial India. It shows that indigenous entrepreneurs were critical in the emergence of small-scale iron foundries in Howrah. Thus, it refutes the cultural constraint argument that Indians did not participate significantly in the industrial development during the colonial period. The slow growth of the foundry industry during the early half of the period of this study shows that it was colonial constraints that hindered the industrial development of colonial India. The article further shows that small-scale industries in colonial India emerged in relationship to the large-scale industries. At a more general level, the article points to important dynamics of industry emergence such as backward linkages, spin-off, and inter-firm linkages. The article further supports the classical argument regarding protection to emerging industries.

Indigenous business success: a hybrid perspective

PurposeThis paper aims to address the notion that the relationship between being indigenous and business success is inconclusive because there are tensions between indigenous values and business success. The research questions are: How do indigenous entrepreneurs define success? Does the third space create a different meaning of success in the indigenous context?Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was adopted for this study because the ability to define success requires subjective meanings. Participants’ lived experiences and stories were the main sources of information. Open conversational-style interviews were used because they allow participants to freely share their stories.FindingsA defining line is that not all indigenous entrepreneurs have the same view of success. The homogeneity that emanates from sharing indigeneity does not equal unity in views, but shows that people from the same group can view success differently. However, the meaning and views formed are also connected to the wider community, relationships and predominant values that characterise the social cultural context of the entrepreneur.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on one indigenous group; more studies need to be conducted to gain wider variation on the meaning of success in indigenous entrepreneurship and how indigenous subculture alters these meanings.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study show that success for indigenous entrepreneurs should be defined based on individual philosophy. Hence, practitioners should endeavour to clarify what success means from the initial stage of the business to avoid misconception and make this clear to others that are connected to the business.Originality/valueThis paper suggests a different view of success in an indigenous context using the hybridity viewpoint to explain why success can be perceived using the in-between space without opposite binary.

The Nature of Papuan Women Indigenous Entrepreneurship in Informal Agricultural Sector (A Case of Papuan Women Traders in Manokwari and Surrounding Areas of West Papua- Indonesia)

West Papua, Indonesia, are engaged in marketing activity in informal agricultural sector. However, the nature of their entrepreneurial activity and the factors that impede and enable these endeavors are not clearly understood. The aim of this research is to gain a better understanding of the entrepreneurial marketing activity of these women along with constraints that impede them to identify opportunities for improving their position. A theoretical framework, based on indigenous entrepreneurship literature and knowledge of Papuan context, was designed to guide the research. A qualitative approach was used to investigate three case studies of groups of women in three different areas – a more remote area, a transmigration site, and an urban area. Within-case and cross-case analysis revealed that those Papuan women’s motivation was driven by their immediate family’s needs and their social and cultural obligations. The analysis also indicated that they were proven to be open to innovation. Further, they were outward looking and had market awareness. There was variation between the groups in their engagement with cash economy and the expression of their market awareness. Their implementation of marketing techniques varied, with urban traders employing a wider range of marketing strategies. Women traders from more remote areas and transmigration site depended heavily on their natural resources, whereas the majority of urban traders were more dependent on marketing resources and financial reserves in order to buy produce from other producers. Hence, more remote area and transmigration site traders were self-funded, while urban traders were partly selffunded. Traders from more remote area relied very heavily upon social capital in conducting their production and marketing activities, whereas traders in the other groups were less reliant on social capital. Traders from more remote area faced greater constraints related to poor road access, high cost transportation, and poor access to physical markets. In addition, all traders had poor access to government support. These insights into the varied nature of indigenous entrepreneurship and the differences in constraints faced by different groups provide policy insights for Papuan government.

Blueprint for technology transfer in India: opportunities, challenges and the way forward

Public funded research finds its salvation in the Technology transfer space leading to indigenous development, entrepreneurship promotion, and affordable products contributing significantly to economic growth and larger public good. Recognising the importance of innovation in the country, Government of India is investing hugely to support R&D, leading to spurt in the number of publications and patents. However, few patents are licensed and translated into useful products. Analysing the input-output deficit and exploring the opportunities in India for developing affordable healthcare technologies for the world, the authors have evaluated the opportunities and challenges in the technology-transfer arena in India and suggested possible ways to address these challenges. A triple-helix strategy for changes at each level viz. national policy, institutional and human capital, has been proposed to create enabling environment for facilitating national and international technology transfers for global impact. This will be of relevance to policy makers, technology-transfer professionals and academicians.

Project finance and investment in the oil and gas industry in developing countries: a case study of Ghana

Raising start-up and working capital are challenges faced by indigenous oil and gas entrepreneurs in many developing countries. The absence of sufficient collateral, good business plans, and high interest rates are barriers to acquiring bank loans in Ghana. The study was to identify possible avenues for funding oil and gas projects and challenges indigenous firms (SMEs) within the oil and gas value chain encounter in accessing funds. A questionnaire survey was performed with some banks and oil and gas service providing companies in Ghana. We showed that SMEs have lower success rate in accessing bank loans compared to well-established firms due to repayment risk. Therefore, financial institutions could resort to the project finance method to reduce such risk for projects within the oil and gas industry. We conclude that project finance is a viable avenue for SMEs to finance oil and gas projects in developing countries despite the associated bottlenecks.

Globalization and Indigenous Entrepreneurship Development in Developing Economies: A Case Study of Manufacturing and Commerce (Trade) in Nigeria

Globalization and Indigenous Entrepreneurship Development in Developing Economies: A Case Study of Manufacturing and Commerce (Trade) in Nigeria

Emprendimiento indígena, ¿Una dimensión económica del "Sumak Kawsay"?

La población indígena mundial sufre pobreza y exclusión, y es escasa la literatura que aborda el componente económico desde su cosmovisión; en particular en América Latina desde la perspectiva del buen vivir. Los objetivos de este artículo son determinar los elementos económicos del Sumak Kawsay como una alternativa al desarrollo, y los aportes del emprendimiento indígena a su comunidad a través de una aproximación cualitativa en la Amazonía Ecuatoriana. Construimos nuestros resultados a raíz de información obtenida mediante la realización de 22 entrevistas semiestructuradas en el contexto de la cooperativa de 850 familias de la comunidad kiwcha Kallari, dedicada principalmente a la producción, comercialización y exportación de cacao orgánico y chocolate fino de aroma. La participación, la soberanía alimentaria y la lucha contra la pobreza son el resultado del trabajo conjunto de Kallari, lo que sirve de guía para otras comunidades indígenas para el fortalecimiento de sus organizaciones con planteamientos de periferia-centro. El estudio concluye con la importancia de la sostenibilidad del proyecto, llamando la atención a los gobiernos sobre la importancia de la participación política de las comunidades indígenas en la construcción de políticas públicas centradas en las necesidades específicas de sus territorios.

Indigenous entrepreneurial orientation: A Māori perspective

AbstractDespite growing interest in Indigenous entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial orientation, few studies bridge these two domains empirically. We address this gap by developing a model for exploring entrepreneurial orientation in Indigenous communities. We assess the possible dimensions of Indigenous entrepreneurship orientation in a qualitative study of Māori business owners in New Zealand. The findings suggest that Indigenous worldview and entrepreneurial ecosystem influences the entrepreneurial orientation of participants, leading to a continuum of Indigenous entrepreneurial orientation. The results have important implications for Indigenous entrepreneurship policy, practice and theory.

Decolonizing Development: Perspectives from Indigenous Communities

In this symposium we will explore possibilities for Indigenous organizations to become a force for decolonization. Business enterprises owned and operated by Indigenous communities are one way for them to participate in the market economy. The challenge is to develop enterprise management and governance structures that allow Indigenous communities to participate in economic activity without sacrificing their social and cultural ties that are integral to their wellbeing. The long and violent history of colonialism has also shaped the experience of Indigenous communities’ relationship with the market economy. Indigenous resistance is thus central to the decolonial project, which rejects the universalistic and ‘objective’ assumptions of Eurocentric epistemologies and modernity while privileging multiple local histories, ways of knowing and ways of being in the world. In this symposium several Indigenous researchers will present their work that explores possibilities of how Indigenous organizations can engage with the decolonial project. In what ways do Indigenous epistemologies shape the ways in which Indigenous peoples and organizations participate in the market economy? What are the experiences of Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses in their engagement with the market economy? What are the risks for Indigenous communities and organizations in participating with states and corporations in developmental and resource extraction projects? What alternative forms of organizations and economies can emerge from Indigenous imaginaries? These are some of the questions we will explore in the symposium. Decolonizing Development: Perspectives from Indigenous Communities Presenter: Bobby Banerjee; City U. London Decolonizing Indigenous Entrepreneurship: Economic Reconciliation through Hybrid Venture Creation Presenter: Rick Colbourne; U. of Northern British Columbia Community Entrepreneurship: The Case of the Sami Peoples Presenter: Leo Paul Dana; MBS Membertou Becoming a Force for Decolonization? Hybridity, Institutional logics, and Compromise Presenter: Mary E. Doucette; Cape Breton U. Tribal Sovereignty Presenter: Joseph Scott Gladstone; U. of New Haven Maasai and Hadzabe Peoples of East Africa. Presenter: Aloysius Marcus Newenham-Kahindi; U. of Saskatchewan Indigenous Community-Based Enterprises: Spaces for Resurgence and Decolonization Presenter: Ana Maria Peredo; U. of Victoria

Does Entrepreneurship Meet the Aspirations of Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples?

This paper interrogates the notion of Indigenous Entrepreneurship through an analysis of the literature claiming the concept. [Indigenous is a term used in Canada to refer to Aboriginal, Native, Metis, Inuit, First Nations and others who self-identify]. Five findings are described in the paper, which seem to demonstrate both the uneasy relationship between Indigeneity and academia and the tensions between western ideas of entrepreneurship and values held by many Indigenous communities. Although, entrepreneurship is widely accepted as a tool for economic development (including among Indigenous leaders) the theories of western entrepreneurship likely need significant modification to reconcile with Indigenous culture. Studies found in the research often described cases where entrepreneurship was used as a tool for development and included references to culture and practice, but discussion of the interface between the two appeared to be lacking. Problematic for the field of Indigenous Entrepreneurship is that the academic work found in the field was often in “B” or lower category publications indicating difficulty in reconciling Indigenous Worldviews with accepted academic principles.