Cultural obstacles in growing entrepreneurship: a study in Singapore

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to identify the cultural obstacles or what discourages the setting‐up of businesses among Singaporeans.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus group method.

Findings

Four obstacles: being over‐compliant, too left‐brained, over‐pampered, and afraid of failing, are identified. They are assessed as stemming from two key trends: chiefly, a safe, orderly and affluent society and Singapore Government's father‐leadership style. Several recommendations are then made.

Research limitations/implications

Limitation: time and costs constraints – otherwise more focus group sessions could have been held. Future research, if a budget permits, can employ separate recorders to take notes, freeing the researcher to facilitate the discussions, extracting more information.

Practical implications

The paper implies the need for several cultural changes: Singaporeans can be more entrepreneurial by taking a paradigm shift, adopting the “backpack mentality”; embracing globalised thinking and networking; and tapping the melting‐pot edge.

Originality/value

The article provides a continuing perspective on entrepreneurship in Singapore.

Citation

Cheng Patrick Low, K. (2006), "Cultural obstacles in growing entrepreneurship: a study in Singapore", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 25 No. 2, pp. 169-182. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621710610645144