Narrow Results

A number of solutions have been suggested for overcoming the considerable and entrenched economic and social disadvantage indigenous Australians face, including the encouragement to gain employment in the mainstream economy and to become entrepreneurs. Governments of all persuasions have implemented policies to encourage indigenous entrepreneurship; however, most appear to have had little success. To support and promote indigenous entrepreneurship effectively, it is important to identify the factors that either promote or hinder entrepreneurial endeavors. This paper reports on a study that used a qualitative research approach guided by a social constructivist paradigm to examine the experiences of Indigenous entrepreneurs in Northern New South Wales, Australia. The study results indicated that participants were found to possess characteristics of confidence, strong self-determination and ambition, and a desire to achieve. The role and influence of spouses, extended family and other role models were important determinants of entrepreneurial success, as were access to financial capital and established business networks. Above average education levels, prior industry experience and the assistance of mentors were also found to positively influence success. Lacking access to financial capital was a major hindrance. Participants also found government assistance programs confusing, unwieldy and difficult to access. Other hindrances included the presence of racism and discrimination; and difficulties reconciling business needs with the requests and needs of family, culture and community.

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore a sample of American Indian entrepreneurs' perceptions of why and how they became successful owners of businesses on or near reservations in Wisconsin. The results provide insight about how to encourage and support potential American Indian entrepreneurs to open more businesses on or near reservation lands to create viable economies. This explorative study used planned inquiry to gather qualitative data by conducting in-depth interviews and collecting supportive data through critical incidents. The participants in the study include seven current American Indian business owners. Based on the findings, analysis and results of the research study, recommendations have been developed for tribal leaders, tribal educators, government agencies, and for further research. The conclusions to the research, which addressed the six themes and their findings, show that successful American Indian entrepreneurs (a) have been exposed to entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ideals; (b) have an understanding of business concepts; (c) have been educated and have sought additional knowledge; (d) have participated in special programs with tribal preferences; (e) are risk-adverse to personal financial distress and (f) have nurtured relationships between and among themselves and family as well as between and among their communities.

Science and technology organisations are increasingly held accountable for addressing global challenges. When such organisations attempt to tackle the “wicked” problems of poverty, hunger, environmental degradation, or climate change, they tend to adopt a classical paradigm or “Western science” approach and run the risk of intensifying or generating new problems. In this chapter, we argue that wicked problems have a better chance of being addressed when such organisations draw on a broader range of worldviews and approaches. The chapter provides a New Zealand exemplar of an inclusive endeavour, whereby an organisation strategically implements an indigenous innovation policy into its core science and technology activities. While the case is singular, there are few empirical models of how inclusive policies operate in science and technology organisations, particularly when such science is upstream or at the ideation phase. This longitudinal study offers pointers that other science organisations may find both useful and inspirational.