Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship

This study aims to empirically analyze the contribution of public basic infrastructure to local entrepreneurship in Cameroon. Applying iterative least squares to a multilevel random coefficients Logit model, we find that public investment in basic infrastructure generates positive multiplier effects on entrepreneurship at the local level. Specifically, investment in basic economic infrastructure leads to multiplier effects on business creation at the local level. Based on these results, local public authorities are encouraged to improve the supply of infrastructure, especially regarding the quality, accessibility and availability of basic economic infrastructure. Our findings further suggest that municipalities that offer a business environment that encourages public investment in infrastructure are more attractive to entrepreneurs and can provide existing or new firms with access to the resources and skills they need to take their business to the next level.

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) play a crucial role in the emerging financial system as well as in the innovation of rural financial systems. MFIs significantly promote capital flow, alleviate financing difficulties for small and micro enterprises, and address poverty in underserved areas. However, the demands to address poverty through development and meet social goals expose MFIs to financial risks, particularly cash flow risk associated with capital repayment, which can hinder normal operations. Therefore, it is essential to systematically study the cash flow risk faced by MFIs to enhance their sustainable development capabilities. This research utilizes the bottom-up approach along with Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) to compute the value at risk (VaR), assessing the financial flow of listed microfinance firms in China. The analysis provides a straightforward and specific measure of cash flow uncertainty for management, investors and analysts of microfinance institutions. By comparing the VaR of corporate cash flow and evaluating the VaR of cash flow, the study identifies the existence of cash flow risks within the entire microfinance industry. The study provides policy recommendations to mitigate cash flow risk in microfinance institutions, focusing on business strategy and internal control, to improve the industry’s ability to manage risks and promote sustainable development.

The study’s purpose is to examine the effect of experiential learning on business performance through the mediating role of entrepreneurial competencies. Quantitative research was conducted with 123 entrepreneurs in the business development phase, who were part of a business school’s experiential entrepreneurial program in South Africa. Multiple hierarchical regression analysis revealed that experiential learning led to mastery of entrepreneurial competencies that benefited business performance. Specific competencies played a role as mediators, such as opportunity recognition and market analysis. The findings also suggest that environmental factors such as access to finance shape the mediating role of entrepreneurial competencies on experiential learning and business performance. The study contributes to the entrepreneurship field by looking at experiential learning beyond entrepreneurial intentions to action. In addition, the study demonstrates that experiential learning and its outcomes are influenced by the stage of the business and intended learning outcomes. Therefore, researchers and practitioners should consider entrepreneurial competencies from a multi-dimensional perspective.

This research investigates individual entrepreneurial orientation and its implications for business performance. Examining dynamic managerial capabilities (DMC) as a mediating factor, this study explores the relationship between CEO entrepreneurial orientation and the triple bottom line performance of businesses. It emphasizes the role of improved managerial capabilities resulting from individual entrepreneurial orientation. Emphasis is placed on the importance of entrepreneurial activities not only in affecting financial performance, but also social and environmental performance. The results reveal a strong and positive correlation between CEOs’ individual entrepreneurial orientation and triple bottom line performance, considering DMC. This confirmation is not only robust based on existing theories, but also provides novel evidence of additional effects of the relationship between CEOs’ individual entrepreneurial orientation and broader approaches to business performance. Moreover, this research contributes to current issues related to entrepreneurship, sustainability and the evolving role of individuals in shaping the future of organizations.

The significance of digital transformation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially in the time of disruption, is frequently demonstrated by research. Nevertheless, not much consideration is placed on how digital transformation is experienced by SMEs. This study examines how SME digital transformation will be affected by CEOs’ digital literacy from a micro-foundation viewpoint. Utilizing survey data from 292 SMEs located in Indonesia, we evaluate a moderated mediation model. According to our research, CEOs’ digital literacy affects digital transformation through digital technology utilization. Additionally, CEOs’ gender further influence the association between CEOs’ digital literacy and digital technology utilization. Our work is among initial endeavors to assess the digital transformation among SMEs in an emerging nation such as Indonesia. Despite the urgent need for SMEs to digitally transform and the importance of CEOs’ digital capabilities in accelerating this process, none of the identified existing studies examines SME digital transformation from a micro-foundation perspective, specifically on the link between CEOs’ digital literacy and digital transformation and how digital technology utilization mediates this link, which makes this study unique.

Subsistence entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in India by providing livelihood opportunities to a significant portion of the population. The present study delves into the distinct challenges encountered by Muslim female entrepreneurs in the slums of New Delhi. Employing a narrative inquiry methodology that provides a platform for these women to share their stories, it offers an in-depth exploration of their entrepreneurial experiences. Through interviews and storytelling, participants articulate their challenges, experiences and coping strategies, enabling a comprehensive understanding of their entrepreneurial journeys. Thematic analysis of the collected narratives reveals recurring patterns, barriers and adaptive measures employed by the participants. The findings highlight challenges rooted in socio-cultural dynamics, political challenges and economic constraints. The study also sheds light on coping strategies, reflecting creativity and innovation. This research contributes to an enhanced understanding of the multifaceted constraints confronting Muslim female entrepreneurs in marginalized communities, providing insights to inform policies and interventions aimed at promoting their empowerment and socio-economic progress.

Healthcare entrepreneurs (HCEs) develop and implement solutions to improve processes, structures, and practices. Unfortunately, they also operate in environments with multiple levels of uncertainty because of their industry’s unpredictable, nonlinear, and risk-averse features. Moreover, entrepreneurial uncertainty has been underexplored in the healthcare context. This empirical study examines HCEs’ uncertainty management processes throughout the entrepreneurial process. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 for-profit and social HCEs across nine sectors in nineteen different states within the United States. We used a mixed methods qualitative approach to analyze, interpret and visualize data, including constant comparative and lexical analyses. Interview data reveals HCEs experience five major uncertainties and utilize distinct strategies to manage those uncertainties. Findings highlight the effect of external environmental conditions on HCEs’ uncertainty, the complexity and interconnectedness of HCEs’ uncertainties, their willingness to utilize a wide repertoire of strategies to cope with uncertainty, and communication’s central role in the management process. We provide practical advice to improve educational, training and professional development initiatives for aspiring, novice and experienced HCEs.