Intra-Ethnic Business Networks in the Gurage Footwear Industry in Ethiopia

View Sample PDF

Author(s): Tebarek Lika Megento (Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia)and Christian Kesteloot (KU Leuven, Belgium)
Copyright: 2016
Pages: 18
Source title: Handbook of Research on Entrepreneurial Success and its Impact on Regional Development
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Luísa Carvalho (Universidade Aberta, Portugal & CEFAGE, Universidade de Évora, Portugal)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-9567-2.ch009

Keywords: Business & Management / Entrepreneurship & Innovation / Information Science Reference / Socio-Economic Development

Purchase

View Intra-Ethnic Business Networks in the Gurage Footwear Industry in Ethiopia on the publisher's website for pricing and purchasing information.

Abstract

Drawing on insights from social network theory, the socio-economic and cultural dimensions of intra-ethnic business networks are examined for the Gurage, an ethnic group in Ethiopia. This study also examines the extent of Chinese impacts on the footwear industry of Ethiopia. A qualitative approach based on in-depth interviews was utilized in order to assess intra-ethnic business networks, while a quantitative approach, based on a cross-sectional survey, was employed to collect background data, to assess the impact of Chinese imports on local footwear producers and to identify potential cases for in-depth interviews. Gurage use ethnic networks to mobilize resources and opportunities, which in turn contributes to their success in the business. In response to the threats of Chinese imports on production activities and social capital of local footwear enterprises, firms downsized or stopped business, or resorted to other alternatives.

The IRMA Community

Research IRM

Intra-Ethnic Business Networks in the Gurage Footwear Industry in Ethiopia

Purchase

Abstract

Related Content

IRMA Sponsors