Emerald | Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy

A framework for assessing the impacts of community-based enterprises on household poverty

Nuttamon Teerakul, Renato Andrin Villano, Fiona Wood, Stuart Mounter — 2012-03-23 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe a framework developed for assessing Community-based Enterprises (CBEs) impacts on poverty reduction at the household level in northern Thailand in the context of the UN Millennium Development Goals. The focus is on the use of Principal Component Analysis to develop a context specific definition of poverty.Design/methodology/approach - Design/methodology/approach – The paper explains how business performance measurement, impact assessment of development projects and poverty measurement have been integrated into a single poverty impact assessment framework in relation to CBEs. This framework has two key steps: (1) identification of poverty groups and poverty components, and (2) impact assessment of CBEs and other factors on household poverty. Findings - Findings – The framework captures a number of qualitative and quantitative aspects of poverty necessary for an accurate relative measure for differing geographical, economic and cultural contexts.Originality/value - Originality/value – The novelty of this paper’s approach lies in the design of the framework used to assess poverty impacts of CBEs at the household level. The framework combines three well-known, but traditionally separately used, methodologies in order to better explore the economic dynamic of CBEs on households. The paper is expected to be of high relevance both theoretically and methodologically to researchers undertaking similar poverty, microenterprise and social entrepreneurship studies in other developing countries.

Ethnic Enterprise Governance: A Public Choice analysis of Liverpool’s Chinatown

Anthony J. Evans — 2012-03-23 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - This case study of Liverpool’s Chinatown is a theoretical application of clubs and interest group theory to ethnic economies.Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on fieldwork conducted in the Chinatown of Liverpool, England. It utilises interviews, surveys and observation to capture the emergence of the organisation of the communityFindings - It demonstrates how the availability of regeneration funds can create incentives for voluntary community associations to switch into predatory rent-seeking collectives. The characteristics of a Chinese community are predisposed towards being an effective interest groupResearch limitations/implications - Originality/value - The paper presents new primary data and is a rare attempt to chart the evolution and development of "ethnic enterprise governance". It extends the existing literature on the economic organisation of Chinatown into a theory of the political representation of ethnic communities, utilising the tradition of rational choice political science

Transmission of Entrepreneurial Spirit from First to Second Generation Ethnic Minorities in Montreal: Opening paths for further researches

Sebastien Arcand — 2012-03-23 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - The main objective is to better understand the way children of immigrant entrepreneurs see, or not, entrepreneurship as a valid choice for their professional development.Design/methodology/approach - It is from the concept of Entrepreneurial Spirit that the current study takes place. We conducted semi-directed interviews among young (18 to 35 years old) from parents who are or were entrepreneurs, we picture those young persons who, for a vast majority, see entrepreneurship on a positive way. Findings - Conclusions shows, among others, that even thought their parents experiences were positives, the transmission of entrepreneurial spirit lies on individual choices. Results show that ethno cultural backgrounds do not play a significant roleResearch limitations/implications - While this desire to expand our perspective in drawing upon sociology arose from necessity, we believe that introducing the social aspects of a company is not sufficient to entirely explain the business situation of immigrants and their families. The complexity of this phenomenon, like any other social phenomenon, moreover, obliges us to dissect its various aspects. This is why the data presented must be subjected to other types of analysis, such as longitudinal studies on the transmission of immigrant businesses or problems due to the absence or weakness of immigrants’ social networksPractical implications - The results can help policy-makers and NGOs in their work with young entrepreneurs of immigrant background in vairous ares (decision making process, start-ups, continuity of family-business...). It also provides academic researchers with different ways of conducting studies on ethnic entrepreneurs.Originality/value - First, very few studies put into context the relationship between second generation immigrants and business world in general. Our research puts the emphasis on the representations of the persons interviewed on the advantages, and disadvantages, of being in business while a member of a minority group. Having access to these representations may have a significant impact on how ethnic entrepreneurship can be empowered among descents of immigrants. Although there is always a thin line between a framework build to help researchers and consultants and an over generalization of different situations more or less related to one another, the sociological approach we propose can be useful for any given minority group in any social context

Developing and animating enterprising individuals and communities: a case study from rural Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Robert Smith — 2012-03-23 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - Socio-economic decline in rural areas is a pervasive and debilitating phenomenon in terms of regional development particularly when former models of economic growth which once stimulated business generation and regeneration can no longer be counted on to do so. In these austere times, models of social and community enterprise are becoming more important. This corresponds to the emergence of theories of community based entrepreneurship and social enterprise as explanatory variables. Such theories are used to label enterprising behaviour enacted within our communities even when the theoretical arguments underpinning these re-conceptualisations require to be stretched to permit this. Often the resultant explanations are not entirely convincing. Design/methodology/approach - Consequentially, using a case study methodology this article reports on the activities of the Buchan Development Partnership (BDP) - a community based project situated in the Buchan area of Aberdeenshire, Scotland – demonstrating how individual and community enterprise can be utilized to develop enterprising individuals and communities by growing enterprises organically. The case articulates this process as it occurred in a rural development partnership using a narrative based case study methodology to examine activities and growth strategies.Findings - The case bridges issues of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial process, community and regional development and tells a story of community regeneration through the process of ‘Community Animateurship’. Research limitations/implications - Research, practical and social implications are discussed but in particular the need to adopt a more holistic approach.Originality/value - This case challenges existing conceptualisations of community based entrepreneurship and social enterprise.

BUILDING A BIOECONOMY IN THE HEARTLAND: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN RESOURCES AND PERCEPTIONS

Lee M. Dunham, Mark Ahn, anne york — 2012-03-23 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose - This paper investigates the gap between the capabilities required to build a strong biotechnology ecosystem in the state of Nebraska versus the perception of existing resources within the state. Design/methodology/approach - Using a resource-based lens, we first identify resources needed to develop and support such a biotechnology industry sector and compare Nebraska with other states, the U.S. as a whole, and other countries currently undertaking such development. This first step draws on data from a recent industry study conducted by Battelle and commissioned jointly by the State of Nebraska and the state’s biotechnology trade association, BioNebraska. We then collected data from a survey of BioNebraska members, which includes individuals from state and private universities, the state department of economic development, local Chambers of Commerce, private firms operating in the sector, and supporting firms, to compare objectively-identified needs with perceived resources. Findings - Clearly, our findings suggest that the best fit between Nebraska's resources and bioscience industry perceived needs are in the agriculture and food sectors, ranging from crop irrigation and feedstock and chemical research to biofuels, genetic crop modification and bio-packaging. Access to talent and funding were identified as the highest priority needs; however, survey participants rated Nebraska as just average and below average, respectively, on these two dimensions. Practical implications - States such as Nebraska, with identified gaps in talent and funding, should invest in these areas through such initiatives as providing tax credits, investment seed money, scholarships, grants, and new faculty positions.Originality/value - The value and originality of the paper are in the use of a theoretical model - Barney's resource-based view - to triangulate data from a state economic development study with that of a survey of key stakeholders in order to identify existing gaps and formulate strategies for narrowing these gaps.