Local Entrepreneurs Research Articles

The Egg Hub Model: A Sustainable and Replicable Approach to Address Food Security and Improve Livelihoods

BackgroundDespite progress in improving living standards and reduced poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition remain a significant issue worldwide. Childhood is a critical time for the intake of protein to support physical and cognitive growth, including animal-source foods like eggs which can effectively mitigate stunting in low- and middle-income countries. In Malawi, high malnutrition rates among women and children represent a significant public health challenge, but high-quality sources such as eggs remain costly, scarce, and rarely consumed by children in Malawi. The Egg Hub model, identified and piloted by local agri-food entrepreneurs and the Sight and Life Foundation in Malawi, tackles the obstacles faced by smallholder farmers, working to increase egg production, enhance availability, and improve consumption within rural communities by supporting small-scale farmers transition from unsustainable and unproductive backyard rearing to small-scale farm through access to high-quality inputs, training, loans, and a guaranteed market for their eggs. ObjectivesThis paper provides a detailed account of the implementation of the pilot of the Egg Hub Model in Malawi including the demand creation process, the impact of the model on producers, consumers, and operators, and the social, economic, and environmental sustainability aspects of the model. MethodsQualitative and quantitative surveys (n = 217 consumers) were used for demand creation and qualitative surveys were used with 15 retailers to determine egg sales. With 16 farmers and the egg hub operator, business metrics, including profits and loss records, were analyzed. ResultsThe pilot of the Egg Hub model in Malawi supported 85 farmers to triple their egg production, allowing their communities to purchase eggs at prices reduced by 40%, benefiting an estimated number of 180,000 rural poor. Egg consumption among the target population increased from an average of 2 to 9 eggs/month and led to reduced egg wastage and better biosecurity, reducing the risk of children’s exposure to chicken feces and infections. The achievements of this Egg Hub in Malawi allowed the model to be replicated in Ethiopia, Peru, and Brazil, producing 40 million eggs annually and benefiting more than half a million consumers. ConclusionThe Egg Hub model is a comprehensive and scalable solution to increase egg supply, address malnutrition and food insecurity, and improve livelihoods. The advantages include centralizing key activities through a community-centered approach, empowering female farmers, increasing access to a highly nutritious food, and economic benefits for farmers and their communities.

The Role of Digital Marketing as a Strategy in Improving Wonosobo MSME Product Marketing

T Karangsari Village, Sapuran District, Kaabupaten Wonosobo is one of the villages in Wonosobo Regency that has the potential of a Tourism Village. With the increasing number of tourist visitors, it will increase the potential income for local village communities. Wonosobo Regency typical products have been widely known by the public, but since the occurrence of Covid 19 has caused a lack of tourist visitors visiting tourist sites in Karangsari Village, Sapuran District, Wonosobo Regency. This condition also has an impact on the quiet sales turnover of MSME products, especially in Karangsari Village, Sapuran District, Wonosobo Regency. One of the contributing factors is caused by the marketing model that is still carried out traditionally, so that when the Covid 19 pandemic occurred, it was very difficult for local entrepreneurs to survive running their businesses. Digital marketing is a business strategy that can be used when there are government policies related to social restrictions of the community. The purpose of this community service is to develop products and increase online sales, in order to increase marketing reach. The methods carried out are by: (1) providing training and socialization about the concept of Digital Marketing and its usefulness in business strategies, (2) utilizing digital marketing through social media.

BPO Ecosystem in North East India: Reclaiming the Missed Opportunity

North Eastern Region (NER) of India is largely looked upon as a provider of cheaper and amenable workforce for the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, with neutral accent, dedication and hospitable behaviour. All these factors make NER a potential BPO destination, further enhanced by different government (central/states) policy initiatives. However, the industry in the regions exhibited an almost flat growth curve over the years, and thus there is a need for understanding the reasons behind the failure of the undertaken policies. This study is largely based on qualitative research on the large information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry of India in general and (still) nascent BPO industry of NER in particular. The authors’ understanding and findings are inferred from review of policy documents, numerous data sources and discussions, focus group interviews with national BPO experts, and local BPO entrepreneurs of the region. The impact of coronavirus disease-2019 on the business process management (BPM) industry and the opportunities arising from it, particularly for this region has also been examined. The study presents a set of factors paralysing the industry in NER, and outlines some affirmative measures to rectify the failures. This analysis, though specific to the NER, highlights the issues involved in BPO operations which can be generalised and provide guidelines to other destinations.

Tejido social y productivo en el cantón Azogues – Ecuador: factores correlacionales

The social and productive fabric of the Azogues canton is impacted by correlational aspects in which entrepreneurship, innovation and associativity stand out, necessary for the sustainable development of societies. With a quantitative approach, descriptive, transversal, and probabilistic research was developed. The main findings highlight a non-parametric distribution, demonstrating an arithmetic mean of 3.95 with a standard deviation of 0.489. From a statistical perspective, the averages of the variables are significant. Entrepreneurship obtains a value of 0.625**, innovation a value of E.259** and associativity a value of 0.426**. They highlight as key strategies to promote economic development: 1) support for local entrepreneurs, 2) promotion of innovation and 3) strengthening of associations, these allow generating sources of employment, while guiding the increase in competitiveness. and the improvement of the quality of life of the inhabitants of the community studied. The findings are supported by reliable statistics with empirical evidence, with the data presented being objective support to strengthen the social and productive fabric of the region, with the application of the indicated strategies.

Strategi Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Masyarakat Desa Melalui Agrowisata di Kabupaten Banyumas

Cikidang Village is located in Cilongok Sub-district, Banyumas Regency, Central Java Province. Cikidang Village is the smallest village that attracts attention because it is located along the Purwokerto -Ajibarang provincial road and is dominated by agricultural land. The Cikidang Village Government has a short-term plan to explore the village's potential which includes natural resources, economic assets, social and cultural heritage, and human resources through the development of community-based agritourism. The medium-term plan for Cikidang Village is set out in the draft RPJMDES 2020-2025. This qualitative research involved field observations, interviews and documentation. Key informants in this research include the Village Head, Village Secretary, and General Affairs Officer of the Cikidang Village Government, as well as other stakeholders such as the Head of Bumdes, Head of Farmer Groups, Local Entrepreneurs, Community Leaders, and external parties including the Banyumas Regency Youth, Sports, Culture & Tourism Office, and Banyumas Regency small and medium business associations. The results revealed the potential of natural resources that can be developed as agro-tourism objects, while the development of the Cikidang Village rest area functions as a tourist centre that promotes local products and culture of the village. Based on stakeholder analysis shows that the participation of various parties in the agritourism development plan in Cikidang Village. Strategies to empower the community economy through agritourism in Cikidang Village are formulated in three stages, namely creating a conducive atmosphere, effective village government management, and maintaining long-term sustainability.

Community Based Identification of Energy-Related Needs and Priorities of Poor Communities In Karangmojo Village, Yogyakarta

The current fossil energy crisis is the right momentum to develop renewable energy potential. The purpose of this study is to identify renewable energy utilization programs in Karangmojo Village, in order to meet the energy needs of poor communities. The study uses in-depth interviews with the community to obtain various energy problems faced, especially for poor communities and farmers. We find various renewable energy development programs, including: Biogas Energy Package (BGEP) for cooking purposes, Biogas Energy Package (BGEP) for local entrepreneur, Biodiesel Energy Package (BDEP) for household and irrigation system, and Biomass Energy Package (BMEP) from rice husk. This study is also equipped with a review of stakeholder analysis

Building an inclusive ecosystem for minority and women entrepreneurs: A case study of Columbus

We all agree that it is essential to build an inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem for all kinds of people, particularly minority and women entrepreneurs, as the past studies are clear to demonstrate underperformance of those demographic groups. At the same time, we are only beginning to understand what kind of systemic barriers exist for women or minority entrepreneurs at the regional system level. Furthermore, it requires a different set of knowledge about how we can practically create an inclusive ecosystem. This paper applies the concept of equity planning for the context of economic development. This paper examines a case study of the City of Columbus, Ohio, in 2018–2019 in which the City Government actively promoted to build an inclusive ecosystem for women and minority entrepreneurs. We induce five essential steps that we could learn from this inclusionary practice which provide tangible implications for other city governments, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and other stakeholders of local entrepreneurship systems.

New business model and local governance in supporting social and environmental solutions: A social network analysis to evaluate the Italian local action group's “Terra è Vita” role

Current issues, such as climate change and social and economic disparities, are complex and context-dependent, influencing several economic and social actors. Micro-small and medium enterprises that populate rural areas often have lower risks than other companies but less innovation and fewer financial resources and capabilities. Here, a local convenor could help support these enterprises to drive their social, environmental, and economic behaviours to safeguard natural resources, respond to social community needs, and fulfil their economic goals. The European Union's Community-Led Local Development programme defines local action groups as actors who help develop and grow local areas in social and economic fields. We analyse this role, highlighting that by focusing on social and environmental issues, the convenor can stimulate changes in the traditional business model and the social business model characterised by the business ambidexterity involved in producing economic value that is also relevant to addressing the community's needs. We study the effectiveness of a local action group in its convenor role for local actors' behaviours on economic, social, and environmental themes. The study uses social network analysis to extract the network backbone that links 150 local area entrepreneurs according to their perceptions of the local area's main weaknesses. The results are twofold: they indicate that the local action group is perceived as an effective convenor and that its activities are instrumental in improving local area stakeholders' performance.

Formation of entrepreneurial values through communication in entrepreneurial interactions in coastal areas

This study examines how entrepreneurial values are fostered through interaction and communication between local and migrant entrepreneurs in coastal tourism areas. The study emphasizes the critical role of a shared understanding of these values, highlighting the need to promote local economic growth and develop a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. Research objectives: This study aims to identify the factors that drive entrepreneurial values among local and migrant entrepreneurs in coastal tourism areas. Methods: A qualitative research approach was used, and data was collected through interviews and observations. The study focused on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating in Pangandaran. The research shows that essential attributes of business success - such as grit, new ideas, and a willingness to stand on one’s own two feet - come from life experiences and the give-and-take within the community and culture. Both local entrepreneurs and travelers can use social connections and circles as tools for growth and support. At the heart of this discovery? These sociable traits are passed down through different groups, while language skills are spread across many places. Together, they create resilient people skilled in business and entrepreneurship. This Recommendation focuses on increasing collaboration between entrepreneurs through mentoring programs, workshops, and networking events to encourage the exchange of knowledge and experience. These initiatives are expected to increase innovation, competitiveness, and business sustainability in coastal tourism, strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Historical Sacral Objects as Places of Prayer—But Not Only: Towards Multifunctionality

Under conditions of rises in the maintenance costs of religious objects, declining numbers of visitors to most of them, and greater public awareness of their potential, the following is becoming important: (1) the pressure to increase the ways in which their space is used and (2) to take advantage of the “added value” that these objects bring to the localities in which they are located. The owners of religious objects are increasing the functionality of these objects; therefore, they can expect more financial support for their maintenance, including from public resources. Local entrepreneurs undertake and develop types of economic activities that are directly or indirectly related to the existence of the designated objects in the area, and the local government, thanks to the tax revenue raised from them, improves the standard of living of the people in the area. The purpose of this article is to collect, organize, and systematize the knowledge of the functions of Christian historic religious objects and the possibility of their influence on the external environment. This study fills a research gap in this area, for the information on this topic in the literature is scattered and unstructured. The method used in this study is a critical analysis of legal acts and literature. From the analysis, it is clear that Christian religious buildings today perform multiple functions. In addition, the strength of their impact on the external environment creates the economic development of an area and results in an increase in the income level of its inhabitants.

Sustainable integrated solid waste management for a university campus − A case study of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Nigeria

This study provides valuable insights into the waste composition, generation rates, and opportunities for improving the current solid management practices of a university campus in Sub-Saharan Africa. Representative points were selected within the campus to collect solid waste (SW). The SW were sampled following ASTM D5231-92. The quadrant method prescribed by ASTM D 6323 was used to reduce about 150 kg of collected waste to 50 kg. The SW samples were collected in triplicates and sorted manually to determine their composition. QGIS, a geographic information system was utilized to optimize waste collection efficiency, optimal collection points, and the number of waste bins. The average daily solid waste generation at FUTA was 952.3 kg, with polythene and paper waste constituting the largest proportions at 26 % and 24 %, respectively. The waste generation rate per capita was estimated at 0.046 kg per day. Remarkably, 81 % of the waste generated at FUTA has the potential for recycling. This offers a viable potential for promoting sustainable integrated solid waste management (SISWM). The study proposes optimising waste collection points from the initial 42 to 97, considering the proximity to buildings and transportation routes. The study did not consider fluctuations in waste generation rates and composition throughout the seasons, yet the data gathered is considered adequate for this initial survey. Lack of collaboration, adequate policies, funds, infrastructure, and political will are among the impediments to SISWM in FUTA. The introduction of colour-coded waste separation bins, and assigning different colours to specific waste types, can promote proper waste disposal and facilitate recycling. Also, engaging the university community through workshops and seminars can foster such behavioural change. Collaboration with local entrepreneurs and recycling centres is another essential aspect of this paradigm shift. Such partnerships can explore innovative solutions for upcycling polythene waste and create waste-to-wealth pathways. Initial challenges of an insufficient policy framework for university- small scale enterprises (SME) engagement and the lack of business growth models could be addressed by promoting relevant skill development and motivational tasking of the existing entrepreneurship faculty. By implementing the proposed strategies and embracing circular economy (CE) principles, FUTA can reduce its environmental impact, promote recycling, and foster a culture of sustainability and entrepreneurial value creation on campus and beyond.

Designing Jewelry from identity Black Spinel Fragments of Kanchanaburi Province

The design of jewelry from Kanjanaburi Province's identity aims to: 1) Classify the types, limitations, and information of local identity materials in Kanjanaburi Province. 2) Study the identity of Kanjanaburi Province, both in terms of abstract and concrete. 3) Develop guidelines for designing jewelry using local identity materials that communicate the uniqueness of Kanjanaburi Province. The research team gathered data from both documentary sources and field surveys in the Kanjanaburi Province, leading to an analysis of business-related issues in the gem and jewelry industry in the region. The key summarized points for jewelry design into 3 points include: 1) Utilization of local identity materials, black spinel, in Kanjanaburi Province. 2) The essence of the abstract and concrete of Kanjanaburi Province's identity. 3) Trends suitable for developing jewelry patterns from local identity materials. The important components for creating design guidelines, designing jewelry from local identity materials, and selecting a prototype for production were derived from the expertise of three specialists. These components contribute to the production of prototype jewelry representing the unique identity of Kanjanaburi Province. The research results categorize the types of black spinel into three categories: black spinel, black pyroxene, and magnetite. The information on the identity of Kanjanaburi Province can be divided into four aspects: 1) Natural and Environmental Aspect, 2) Cultural Aspect, 3) Ritual Aspect, and 4) Gem and Jewelry Aspect. These aspects lead to the conclusion of design guidelines for jewelry made from black spinel, representing the identity of Kanjanaburi Province, as evaluated by experts. The designed work is a jewelry set called 'Kanjanigar,' specifically inspired by the Kanjanaburi Province's flower, the Kanjanigar flower. The jewelry set includes various earring designs that can be worn according to different clothing styles and occasions. The materials used in the design are small-sized black spinel plates, along with black pyroxene, using drilling and resin techniques. The researchers have transferred this work to local entrepreneurs in Kanjanaburi Province through practical training sessions, with 22 participants. The pre-training understanding of design was rated at 3.31, while post-training understanding significantly increased to 4.65. This indicates that the provided guidelines can effectively enhance the knowledge and skills of local entrepreneurs in Kanjanaburi Province in designing jewelry from black spinel.

Empowerment of SMEs And Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: a Qualitative Study on Diversifying Pattaya's Economy

Purpose: This qualitative study aims to explore how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurial ecosystems in Pattaya, Thailand, can empower the local economy to diversify beyond its traditional reliance on the tourism sector. It underscores the imperative of economic diversification for tourism-centric economies, especially in light of vulnerabilities exposed by global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Method/Design/Approach: Employing a qualitative research design, the study utilizes in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participatory research methods with local entrepreneurs and stakeholders. This approach facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the experiences, strategies, and perceptions of those directly involved in Pattaya's SMEs and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Results and Conclusion: The research findings highlight a significant trend towards digital innovation and a reorientation towards local markets among Pattaya's SMEs. It uncovers the necessity for substantial investments in technology and digital infrastructure to enhance economic resilience and adaptability. Furthermore, the study accentuates the pivotal role of government in fostering an enabling environment through regulatory reforms, financial incentives, and infrastructure enhancements. The importance of educational initiatives in nurturing entrepreneurial skills and the critical involvement of the private sector and international organizations in supporting economic diversification efforts are also detailed. The conclusion posits that a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach is vital for the sustainable economic development of Pattaya, moving beyond its traditional tourism-focused model. Originality/Value: This study contributes original insights into the challenges and opportunities for economic diversification in tourism-dependent economies, with a particular focus on Pattaya, Thailand. It offers valuable practical recommendations for SMEs, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Moreover, it underscores the importance of embracing digital transformation and fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem as key strategies for achieving sustainable economic growth and resilience against global disruptions.

Promising Nature-Based Solutions to Support Climate Adaptation of Arizona’s Local Food Entrepreneurs and Optimize One Health

This study explores the uptake and potential application of nature-based solutions (NbS) that are particularly promising for small-scale farmers, ranchers, and food entrepreneurs operating in arid and semi-arid regions. Studying the adoption of NbS by local food entrepreneurs (LFEs), including related strengths and limitations, remains an area of exploration due to their potential to optimize interventions that foster environmental sustainability at the intersection of people, animals, and natural ecosystems (i.e., One Health). A multi-method design was used, including literature review, questionnaires, and semi-structured key informant interviews to assess adaptation needs and NbS among a sample of LFEs located in Southern AZ, USA. The findings revealed that existing NbS have been introduced mostly through learning-by-doing practices that are bounded by economic and technological resource constraints. The paper describes a range of accessible approaches and practices that can be piloted and/or scaled up to enhance local food system resilience and contribute to the overlapping health of people, animals, and natural ecosystems. The priority adaptation pathways for NbS were identified to be funding and financing and the co-creation and sharing of knowledge through peer-to-peer and expert-to-peer approaches. The results suggested that AZ LFEs are likely to adopt NbS based on their capacity to address priority climate-driven issues, revenue generation potential, and seamless augmentation with existing food production and operational activities.

Community Development by Increasing Awareness of Product Innovation and Halal Certificate in Cibodas, Pandeglang

This article shows the implementation of community service activity in Cibodas Village which is the socialization of product innovation and halal certification with local entrepreneurs as the target audience. The problem found prior to this activity is the lack of understanding from the local entrepreneurs regarding how to make their product more attractive and how to process the halal certification. With this activity, the local entrepreneurs begin to have a basic knowledge of what kind of innovation they can do for their products and also how to process the halal certification.This article shows the implementation of community service activity in Cibodas Village which is the socialization of product innovation and halal certification with local entrepreneurs as the target audience. The problem found prior to this activity is the lack of understanding from the local entrepreneurs regarding how to make their product more attractive and how to process the halal certification. With this activity, the local entrepreneurs begin to have a basic knowledge of what kind of innovation they can do for their products and also how to process the halal certification.

Listing Butterflies

Conventionally, specimen dealers’ business publications have not been discussed in the same light as their academic writing. The present study, however, examines the catalogs of butterfly specimens issued by the company Dr. O. Staudinger & A. Bang-Haas to elucidate the latent dynamics that shaped intellectual discourse and commercial ventures. By the end of the nineteenth century, the pricing by Staudinger & Bang-Haas was widely accepted as the benchmark within the German entomological community. The company’s exclusive control over the entomological market had two outcomes. First, the establishment of standard prices facilitated the global circulation of specimens by providing a convenient tool to assess the marketability of butterflies. It convinced entrepreneurs in faraway regions of the prospects of collecting for the transnational supply chain of natural history. This was the case for Meiji Japan (1868–1912), where the business opportunity presented by the price margins between Japan and Europe lured ambitious local entrepreneurs into the trade. Second, Staudinger’s price lists effectively conjured epistemic authority from his market position. The company’s catalogs and the dealer’s academic publications, sharing the same readership, worked in tandem to create a school in systematics. The absence of a unified system of classification, the proliferation of taxonomic novelties, the heavy selling of specimens collected from far and wide, all worked in favor of the catalogs. Their readers put the company’s commercial prints on a par with Staudinger’s academic publications, enabling him to sustain his epistemic authority through his privileged access to this alternative channel of communication.

Exploring the Influence of Village Social Capital and Rural Development on Farmers’ Entrepreneurial Decision-Making: Unveiling the Path to Local Entrepreneurship

This paper aims to comprehensively define village social capital, assess its multifaceted dimensions in relation to farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making, and investigate the mediating role of rural development. The research sample consists of 14,133 farmers selected through a multi-stage proportional-to-size unequal probability sampling method. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires as part of the “Chinese Thousand Village Survey” project. Empirical analysis was conducted using binary logit and basic linear regression models, supplemented by probit models and other robustness testing methods. The findings indicate that village social capital exerts a significant and favorable influence on farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making. Controlling for other variables, a unit increment in farmers’ village social network, village social participation, and village social trust is associated with a respective increase in farmers’ odds of entrepreneurial decision-making by 3.96, 5.42, and 16.28%. Village social trust emerges as the most influential factor. Additionally, rural harmony and rural economy partially mediate the relationship between village social capital and farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between village social capital and farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making, offering valuable guidance for farmers looking to leverage village social capital in their entrepreneurial endeavors. It lays a theoretical foundation for relevant entities to strengthen village social capital and cultivate a supportive environment for rural entrepreneurship. To our knowledge, this paper is among the earlier studies that investigate farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making. Besides, the relationship between village social capital and rural development is rarely studied in the literature as two determinants of farmers’ entrepreneurial decision-making.

Integration of Community-Based on Tour Packages to Realize A Sustainable Tourism Village: The Case of Penadaran Tourism Village Grobogan Regency Central Java

Penadaran Village, Gubug District, Grobogan Regency, Central Java, is a village that has very diverse tourism potential, both natural, cultural and artificial potentials. Currently, the village has been included in the top 300 of the Indonesian Tourism Village Award in 2023. Initial studies show that Penadaran Village does not yet have a strategy on how to develop a tourism village, even though the village has the potential to be used as tourism activities such as tour packages, homestays and traditional culinary. This is because there are still many elements of society who do not understand about tourism villages and the management of tourism village products. Based on this, the purpose of this study is to integrate the tourism potential of Penadaran Village into a tour package that involves the community. The primary data collection technique used in the study was using focus group discussion (FGD) which was attended by the community, tourism awareness groups, village government officials and local entrepreneurs. The data analysis technique used is descriptive analysis that describes the results of FGD. The results achieved in this study are the compilation of several tour packages consisting of one-day tour packages, two-day one-night tour packages and three-day and two-night tour packages.

The Effect of Social Entrepreneurship, Government Support on Local Economic Performance in Indonesia, and the Impact of Local Initiatives Mediated by Intellectual Capital

This study explores the relationship between intellectual capital, government support, social entrepreneurship, and local economic success in Indonesia. Data were gathered from a broad sample of respondents who represented local businesses, government authorities, and social entrepreneurs using a quantitative research approach. The study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) in conjunction with partial least squares (PLS) analysis to investigate the correlations between the variables. The results show that social entrepreneurship and government assistance have a major positive impact on local economic performance. It was also shown that intellectual capital acted as a mediator in these partnerships, underscoring its critical function in converting government assistance and social entrepreneurship into concrete economic results. The study highlights the significance of creating an environment that is supportive of entrepreneurship and innovation and advances our knowledge of the mechanisms driving economic progress in Indonesia. The knowledge gained from this study has important ramifications for stakeholders, practitioners, and policymakers who want to encourage local sustainable economic growth.

IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLES ON PERFORMANCE IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN MANIPUR

This quantitative study examined the impact of leadership styles on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Manipur, India. Transformational, transactional, and passive avoidant leadership were measured as independent variables. Firm performance consisted of sales growth, return on investment (ROI), and growth in the number of employees over the past year. A sample of 197 SME leaders participated in the survey. Correlation and regression analyses tested the relationship between leadership styles and aspects of SME performance. Results demonstrated that transformational leadership had robust, significant positive associations with all three performance measures. Transactional leadership also positively predicted sales growth and ROI. In contrast, passive avoidant leadership could have been more inconsequential or mildly detrimental for SMEs. Together, the leadership styles accounted for 19-24% of variation in firm performance. The findings highlight the crucial role of engaged leadership approaches centred on inspiration, rewards, and modelling integrity for enabling Manipuri SMEs to thrive. Practical implications suggest integrating transformational leadership principles into local entrepreneurship training programs.