Showing papers by "Leo Paul Dana published in 2007"

International Handbook of Research on Indigenous Entrepreneurship

Abstract: Foreword by Nigel Healey Part I: Indigenous Entrepreneurship: History, Culture, Values and Objectives Part II: Africa Part III: Asia Part IV: Europe Part V: The Americas Part VI: The South Pacific Part VII: Toward Future Research.

Internationalisation of SMEs: European comparative studies

Abstract: We examine new research on the internationalisation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in 27 European countries. We find that, in both established market economies and in transition economies, SME international entrepreneurship is driven by internal resources and capabilities, membership in networks or clusters, favourable government policies, economy, competitive market conditions, and industry structure. We then develop a conceptual model and propositions of the drivers of European SME internationalisation. Our findings have important implications for managers in improving their firms' international market performance.

A humility‐based enterprising community: the Amish people in Lancaster County

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to add to the understanding of humility‐based economic development and entrepreneurship among the Amish – a religious group – in the USA, whose culture values asceticism, frugality, thrift and work, as well as humility.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents an ethnographic research study.Findings – Amish adults teach their young that work is pleasurable. In order to maintain their values, the Amish try to avoid close contact with people who do not hold the same traditions. Furthermore, due to religious discrimination in the past, the Amish often exhibit a mistrust of outsiders. The primary motive of self‐employment among the Amish is neither profit nor prestige, but rather the maintenance of cultural values, separately from mainstream society such as to emphasise humility over pride. Self‐employment is perceived as much a social activity as an economic activity, and very importantly, it is compatible with religious beliefs.Practical implications – Given the...

Promoting SMEs in Africa: Some Insights from an Experiment in Ghana and Togo

Abstract: Under colonial rule, sub-Saharan Africa was self-sufficient in food production, and much produce was exported from Africa to Europe. Prior to obtaining independence, in 1957, Ghana-formerly British West African Gold Coast-had one of the most prosperous economies on the African continent. The same is true for Togo, which was administered as part of Afrique Occidentale Francaise from World War I until its independence in April 1960. Since these two countries obtained independence, however, Indigenous population growth has not been matched by a growth in agriculture and business activity. Today, both Ghana and Togo are net importers, even in basic grains. Can government policy help?

Aboriginal partnerships in Canada: focus on the Diavik Diamond Mine

Abstract: – In negotiation with diamond enterprises, Aboriginal communities have provided their consent for the diamond mines and have ensured their participation in all diamond projects within their traditional territories. The purpose of this study is to evaluate partnership strategies., – Interviews., – Natural resource enterprises support more than 650 Canadian communities and according to industry Canada this accounts for 12 percent of Canada's gross domestic product. The diamond industry accounts for 4 percent of the nation's expenditures on mining and processing and it is poised for significant growth and contribution to the economy. This emerging industry has created a unique opportunity for Aboriginal people of the Northwest Territories, also known as NWT., – Diavik's success story shows that a good mining strategy is to think beyond extraction, and to be a good corporate citizen, supporting communities and their enterprises. In 2005, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business awarded Diavik the gold award. As well, the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada awarded Diavik an award for protecting its natural surroundings and for its efforts to establish and maintain good relations with local communities., – Five communities have signed partnership agreements with Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., providing joint control of training, employment and business opportunities. This paper discusses the commitments, and the progress, made by Diavik in the participation agreements.

Evaluating offshore and domestic production in the apparel industry: The small firm’s perspective

Abstract: This paper extends the existing literature on the potential advantages and drawbacks of domestic and offshore manufacturing strategies to a small firm perspective. The advantages of offshore production to the large corporation have received much attention in recent years, particularly with regards to the apparel industry. The key advantages of offshore production are obvious for the large firm: cost reductions and increased productivity through labour market differentials. Little is known however about the viability and attractiveness of this strategy for the small apparel firm. The high number of small apparel firms who continue to produce in their domestic market, despite labour market differentials, suggests that the cost advantages of producing offshore may not be as critical for the competitive advantage of many of these small firms. Four case studies of small New Zealand apparel firms are used to substantiate and expand on themes developed from the literature.

How do self-employed Sámi people perceive the impact of the EU and globalisation?

Abstract: Free trade agreements and the decrease of barriers to trade have facilitated international business in many parts of the world. Simultaneously, globalisation has been beneficial for many. For Sami people, there have been two sides of globalisation; while globalisation has brought an increase in technology and consumer goods, there has also been an increased need for cash, pulling people from traditional self-employment. Furthermore, the man-made boundaries, that today define nation-states, have ignored the traditional movements of Sami people. European Union legislation is disrupting traditional trade routes while globalisation is altering traditional lifestyles. Based on in-depth interviews, our research shows that globalisation is changing the nature of Sami self-employment. Among the external causes of change are new requirements for meat processing; these are insensitive to local traditions and reported as being less efficient. Herding activities are becoming increasingly mechanical as globalisation pushes the reindeer economy to become a meat production business. Relating to the literature, the modernisation and dependency perspectives present incompatible views of the relationship between the Sami people and the developed world; the modernisation prescription is mismatched with Sami objectives relating to their traditions, culture and values and the role that these are to play in development.

A comparison of indigenous and non-indigenous enterprise in the Canadian sub-Arctic

Abstract: Entrepreneurship has conventionally been thought of as a function of opportunity. The problem with such an ethnocentric approach, however, is that it assumes a uniform response to opportunity across cultures. In contrast, this article makes use of ethnographic means in a cross-cultural setting to illustrate that aboriginal and non-aboriginal persons in Churchill expressed fundamentally different concepts of self-employment. The study took place in the Canadian sub-Arctic town of Churchill, in Northern Manitoba, over a period of two years. Rather than base himself on a random sample, the researcher immersed himself in the field and contacted each entrepreneur in town. Findings suggest that the causal variable behind enterprise is not an opportunity, but rather one's cultural perception of opportunity.

The Inuit commercial caribou harvest and related agri-food industries in Nunavut

Abstract: The commercial caribou harvesting and related agri-food processing industries in Nunavut have grown global since 1995. These industries have a significant impact on Nunavut's GDP, add key infrastructure, and foster self-reliance and employment for Inuit people in Rankin Inlet and Coral Harbour. The caribou hunt occurs once per year and is the largest in the world. This case focuses on Kivalliq Arctic Foods and Coral Harbour Development Corporation and the local harvesting and processing of Nunavut's caribou meat products. Kivalliq's caribou meat products are exported to clients in the USA as well as the European Union. Both Kivalliq's processing plant and Coral Harbour's portable abattoir have received European Union Certification. The case discusses how the companies used quality assurance, aboriginal branding, e-commerce, and international trade shows to overcome barriers resulting from their northern isolation.

Taos Pueblo: an indigenous community holding on to Promethean values

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to give an account – using photographs as well as words – to describe a North American indigenous community that is retaining pre‐contact Promethean values.Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopts as its approach ethnographic literature and field interviews coupled with extensive photography.Findings – Entrepreneurship may be linked to Promethean values, a characteristic of Pueblo Indians who were imaginatively original, long before the arrival of Europeans. Since ancient times, the use of irrigation in agriculture allowed the Pueblo Indians to reside in permanent houses; these two features – sophisticated farming and settlements – resulted in these indigenous people being unlike their nomadic neighbours. Farming – as opposed to hunting – was the backbone of the Pueblo economies, and theocratic government developed to control land and water usage; complex religious ceremonies became prerequisites to harvests. Religion taught discipline, and religious values remain important...

New Zealand Graduates in Entrepreneurship:: Toward a Paradigm of Interdependance

Abstract: In this, the second volume of the Handbook of Research in Entrepreneurship Education, leading international scholars highlight the unique characteristics and rich variety of research in entrepreneurship education. They adopt several different perspectives, focusing on key issues and significant developments in the field, and highlighting emergent new insights.

Traditional and Emergent Forms of Global Trading

Abstract: Lester Lloyd-Reason and Leigh Sear bring together leading researchers and thinkers in this critical guide to the ongoing, worldwide research shaping the role played by SMEs within today’s global economy. The expert contributors contend that the past twenty years have seen an explosion in research into international SMEs, resulting in a considerable body of academic literature and thinking. This research, they argue, may merely serve to increase our lack of understanding in this area, and often results in myths and misconceptions upon which SME policies and support programmes have been developed and introduced.

'Preface to' Asian Models of Entrepreneurship - from the Indian Union and the Kingdom of Nepal to the Japanese Archipelago: Context, Policy and Practice

Abstract: In this landmark book, Leo Dana makes it clear that entrepreneurship is a global phenomenon, but much can be learned about the nature of entrepreneurial activity when we delve into the unique characteristics of different regions of the world. The profound differences both among and within the countries of Asia become vividly apparent in the pages of this book. Dana juxtaposes the explosion in entrepreneurial growth within China against the struggles to build an entrepreneurial community in Japan, or the enlightened public policy leadership in Singapore against the crisis-driven developments in Korea. The range of factors identified within each of the 15 countries examined by Dana are not random influences on the entrepreneurial process, they can be construed in more systematic and logical ways. Thus, the book uncovers the Chinese model of gradual transition, the Royal Cambodian model, the Doi-Moi model, and others. The reader is challenged to grasp these different models, and identify their commonalities and differences.