International Handbook of Research on Indigenous Entrepreneurship (Elgar Original Reference)

`This book offers an original collection of international studies on indigenous entrepreneurship. Through these specific lenses, entrepreneurship greatly appears as a set of cultural values-based behaviours. Once more culture and human values are placed at the heart of entrepreneurship as an economic and social phenomenon.'
- Alain Fayolle, EM Lyon and CERAG Laboratory, France and Solvay Business School, Belgium

`A must-have for researchers of developmental economics, as well as for entrepreneurship scholars, this collection assembles studies of indigenous entrepreneurship from five continents. To add value, the editors analyse the contributions and identify common themes, thus laying the framework for a comprehensive theory on indigenous entrepreneurship. Dana and Anderson demonstrate that entrepreneurship is not simply a function of opportunity, but rather opportunity recognition is a function of cultural values. For this reason, mainstream theories do not suffice to explain entrepreneurship in indigenous communities. Illustrated with breathtaking photographs, this volume is also reader-friendly for the non-academic.'
- Richard W. Wright, UCLA Anderson School of Business, US

`An exhilarating read that expands and explains the importance of ethnic and cultural variables in entrepreneurial activity. A must for the student of business, as an alternative approach from corporate governance is given as a success factor in business development. Consumer loyalty and satisfaction can only be achieved if the entrepreneurial skills within a businessman's armoury are developed along the lines identified by this new and exiting text.'
- Claudio Vignali, Leeds Metropolitan University, UK

`Dana and Anderson . . . have successfully brought the wisdom of the cultures of the first people, the indigenous, to one field of study: entrepreneurship. Within 40 plus chapters, they have unwrapped innumerable treasures, which they and their contributors wish to share with all who have an interest in the study and practice of entrepreneurship. In so doing, Dana and Anderson have redefined not only the range of entrepreneurship studies; they have redefined the domain of the concept itself. From this redefinition they demonstrate the beautiful complexity of the field, and the priceless flexibility which grows from that complexity. This book is a keeper.'
- Bob Doktor, University of Hawaii, US

The comprehensive and thoroughly accessible International Handbook of Research on Indigenous Entrepreneurship aims to develop a multidisciplinary theory explaining entrepreneurship as a function of cultural perceptions of opportunity.

The Handbook presents a multitude of fascinating, superbly illustrated studies on the facets of entrepreneurship amongst indigenous peoples. Chapters elaborating on the history, culture, values and objectives underpinning indigenous entrepreneurship introduce the subject, providing essential background information. A series of sections then convey the variances and idiosyncrasies of indigenous entrepreneurship in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and the South Pacific. The Handbook concludes by drawing on its original, rich and varied empirical studies to explain why people from different cultures possess different indigenous values, and therefore different entrepreneurship experiences and practices, even when exposed to similar stimuli.

Proposing that what is an opportunity for some people is less so for others with different ideals, and that opportunity recognition is largely culturally determined, this unique, colorful account of indigenous enterprise will provide an intriguing read for those with an interest in entrepreneurship and development studies.