Baalbaki, Chadi; El Khoury, Aliaa
2025 Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
doi: 10.1108/jeee-11-2023-0489
Limited research exists on the role of information access as a key success factor for rural entrepreneurs. The purpose of this study is to examine the importance of information access, among other inequality forms, in shaping entrepreneurial outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a qualitative, inductive research methodology. They conducted interviews with rural entrepreneurs and gained insights into the role of information access and basic tangible resources in shaping their ventures.FindingsThe authors identified two critical factors that impact rural entrepreneurs: inequalities in access to information and basic tangible resources. They found that inequalities in rural entrepreneurship are often interrelated, rather than isolated. The authors demonstrated that the relationship between entrepreneurship and inequality is not solely characterized by a positive or negative correlation but is a dynamic interplay where certain inequality forms may create barriers to opportunities for some individuals while creating opportunities for others.Practical implicationsThe authors uncovered key barriers in rural entrepreneurship and constructed a roadmap to effectively address these challenges, providing valuable insights to policymakers and support initiatives and enabling the target of high-impact resources. This research supports efforts to provide rural entrepreneurs with equal opportunities to grow and succeed.Originality/valueThis research significantly contributes to the field by examining the complexities of entrepreneurship in emerging economies, with a particular focus on rural areas. The authors introduced a comprehensive conceptual model linking inequality and entrepreneurship, explored the challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs and offered strategic policy recommendations for development initiatives.
Kirby, David A.; Healey-Benson, Felicity
2025 Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
doi: 10.1108/jeee-12-2023-0497
This study aims to develop an entrepreneurial business model capable of addressing and preventing the exploitation and inequality that traditionally have resulted from entrepreneurship, particularly in emerging economies.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses systems thinking, the first law of cybernetics, and the principles of harmony to formulate a systemic solution to the problem, which it exemplifies via six purposefully selected short cases drawn from diverse industry sectors and economies.FindingsThis paper demonstrates how the conventional model of entrepreneurship, often associated with colonial exploitation and resultant inequalities, can be transformed into a triple bottom line model—harmonious entrepreneurship – that integrates the traditional economic, eco-, humane, and social approaches and creates a synergy where profit, planet, and people are in harmony. The model challenges the profit maximisation/shareholder value doctrine of business success.Research limitations/implicationsOnly six cases are presented here, and there is a need for further research in different political-economic contexts and industry sectors. Also, the way entrepreneurship is taught needs to change so that it addresses the sustainability challenge in general and the problem of inequality in particular.Practical implicationsThere needs to be a change in the entrepreneurial mindset and the way entrepreneurship is taught and potential entrepreneurs are trained if entrepreneurship is to address the sustainability challenge in general and the problem of inequality in particular.Originality/valueThis is a novel approach to the study of entrepreneurship and its impact on inequality that shows how it can ameliorate and/or prevent inequality, particularly in emerging economies, by adopting a more holistic approach to business success and supplanting “having and needing” with “being and caring”.
Anggadwita, Grisna; Indarti, Nurul
2025 Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
doi: 10.1108/jeee-03-2024-0125
The academic literature on women’s entrepreneurship in the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continues to increase, possibly due to the enormous potential of women’s entrepreneurship to promote social empowerment and economic growth in a country. This study aims to systematically review existing research on women’s entrepreneurship in the internationalization of SMEs and provide a robust understanding of academic developments in this field. This study also aims to identify and explore key thematic areas within the research field related to women’s entrepreneurship in SME internationalization.Design/methodology/approachThis study selected 62 articles retrieved from the four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO and Google Scholar). Content analysis was conducted to identify key research issues and gaps, which were then mapped on cluster themes. VOSviewer was used to represent the research cluster themes visually.FindingsThis study identifies and discusses six research streams related to the concept of women’s entrepreneurship in SME internationalization: export behavior and gender in SMEs; entrepreneurship and country economic development; gender, innovation and performance in SME internationalization; women entrepreneurship in international business and management research; internationalization process of SMEs; and business experience and export experience. Some topics that emerged as potential for future research include personal and organizational dynamics, internationalization behavior, decision-making, adoption of strategies or technologies and orientation toward international markets.Originality/valueThis study offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to foster women’s entrepreneurship within the internationalization landscape of SMEs. The findings provide a roadmap for identifying underexplored areas in women’s entrepreneurship within SME internationalization, guiding future research initiatives.
Perera, Gonaduwage Nilantha Roshan; Feranita, Feranita; Xavier, Jesrina Ann; B. Jaya Kumar, Thivashini
2025 Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
doi: 10.1108/jeee-03-2024-0109
The purpose of this study is to explore the intersection of mindfulness practices and ethical decision-making within organisational leadership. Drawing from ancient Buddhist principles and contemporary neuroscience, this study aims to illuminate how mindfulness can enhance cognitive and emotional regulation, thereby fostering ethical behaviour and improved decision-making among leaders and employees. By examining the theoretical and practical implications of mindfulness in the context of organisational behaviour, this research seeks to contribute to the development of more compassionate, ethical and effective leadership practices, ultimately promoting a more mindful and sustainable business environment.Design/methodology/approachThis concept paper explores the integration of mindfulness meditation practices with decision-making, particularly its influence on ethical choices, through a comparative study of modern techniques and the ancient teachings of the Tripitaka. Using a methodology that spans literature review in organisational behaviour and leadership, alongside in-depth analysis of the Tripitaka and contributions from scholars like Bhikkhu Bodhi, the paper examines the potential of mindfulness in enhancing ethical decision-making. It incorporates a range of sources, including peer-reviewed journals and seminal books across various disciplines, to underscore the transformative potential of mindfulness in addressing contemporary challenges and guiding leadership practices.FindingsThis discussion explores how mindfulness, rooted in ancient Buddhist philosophy and aligned with modern neuroscience, can significantly enhance managerial decision-making by fostering a balance between cognitive and emotional factors. It delves into the transformative potential of mindfulness in refining thought processes, promoting ethical decision-making and mitigating cognitive biases. By bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific insights, the analysis underscores mindfulness as an active, dynamic process crucial for personal growth and effective leadership in complex environments.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation of this research is its reliance on theoretical frameworks and literature reviews, which may not capture the full range of practical challenges in implementing mindfulness practices within organisations. Additionally, the diversity in mindfulness methodologies and the subjective nature of mindfulness experiences may affect the generalisability of the findings. Future research should include empirical studies to validate the proposed benefits of mindfulness in organisational settings and explore the most effective strategies for integrating mindfulness practices into leadership and decision-making processes. This would help in understanding how mindfulness can be tailored to suit different organisational cultures and individual preferences.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of applying mindfulness in organisational settings include enhanced decision-making abilities, improved leadership effectiveness and increased employee well-being. Mindfulness training can equip leaders and employees with the skills to manage stress, navigate complex ethical decisions and maintain focus amidst distractions, leading to more thoughtful and responsible business practices. Organisations might see a reduction in conflict, enhanced creativity and better teamwork, contributing to a more harmonious and productive workplace. Implementing mindfulness programmes could also support talent retention and attraction by promoting a workplace culture that values mental health and ethical behaviour.Social implicationsThe social implications of integrating mindfulness into organisational decision-making and leadership, as suggested by the document, include promoting ethical behaviour, enhancing emotional regulation and improving team dynamics. Mindfulness practices can lead to more informed and conscious decision-making, reducing cognitive biases and fostering a culture of ethical awareness within organisations. This shift towards mindful leadership could potentially transform organisational cultures, encouraging greater compassion, ethical responsibility and collective well-being, thereby contributing positively to broader societal values and norms.Originality/valueThe originality and value of this research lie in its novel integration of mindfulness concepts derived from ancient Buddhist teachings with contemporary neuroscience and organisational behaviour studies. By exploring the deep-rooted philosophical underpinnings of mindfulness and their applicability to modern ethical decision-making and leadership practices, this work offers a unique perspective that bridges historical wisdom with current scientific understanding. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the transformative potential of mindfulness in organisational settings, highlighting its capacity to foster ethical leadership, enhance decision-making processes and contribute to a more mindful, compassionate and sustainable business environment.
Lara-Bocanegra, Alejandro; Pedragosa, Vera; García-Fernández, Jerónimo; Bohórquez, María Rocío
2025 Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
doi: 10.1108/jeee-03-2024-0115
This study aims to analyze the precursors of high and low intrapreneurial intentions among fitness center employees, considering various variables (gender, age, organization size and job satisfaction).Design/methodology/approachThe study involved 166 fitness center employees of the Portuguese fitness center. The study used a two-part questionnaire to gather sociodemographic data and assess variables related to intrapreneurial intentions and job satisfaction among fitness employees. The first part collected basic demographic information, while the second used validated scales to measure intrapreneurial intentions (innovation and risk-taking) and job satisfaction (intrinsic and extrinsic).FindingsThis study underscores intrapreneurship as key for the evolving global fitness sector, highlighting job satisfaction as critical for fostering intrapreneurial intentions. Age, organizational size and gender diversity are also significant, suggesting that fostering a diverse and satisfied workforce under transformational leadership can enhance fitness organizations’ adaptability and growth.Social implicationsThis research supports the growth of the fitness sector by demonstrating how intrapreneurship, propelled by job satisfaction, can resolve challenges, benefiting fitness centers regardless of size, age or gender diversity.Originality/valueThe study highlights the vital role of intrapreneurs in the fitness industry, advocating a nongender-biased approach to intrapreneurship and identifying job satisfaction as key to fostering intrapreneurial intentions, beneficial for all fitness centers.
Baena-Luna, Pedro; Martínez-Román, Juan A.; Romero-García, José E.; Liñán, Francisco
2025 Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
doi: 10.1108/jeee-03-2024-0117
This paper aims to propose and test a corporate entrepreneurship strategy (CES) model in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international activity located in Andalusia (Spain) – a peripheral region with high levels of inequality in the European Union (EU).Design/methodology/approachA quantitative analysis has been carried out with data from 101 SMEs to contrast and analyze the proposed CES model. The sample data were obtained through questionnaire-guided interviews with chief executive officers. Data processing has been done using partial least squares-path modeling, a variance-based technique for structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results of this study show the positive effect of environmental conditions on the development of CES actions in Andalusian SMEs (Spain) and the positive influence of CES on the results of SMEs’ international activity. In turn, environmental conditions do not directly affect the international activity.Originality/valueAlthough previous works address the relationship between corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and international enterprise activity, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is original in testing a CES model (including CE and the entrepreneurial strategic vision) in SMEs in a region that has one of the lowest levels of development in the EU. The results have important implications for SMEs and policymakers and could be extrapolated to other emerging economies.
Vu, Tuan Duong; Bui, Lan Phuong; Vu, Phuong Anh; Dang-Van, Thac; Le, Bao Ngoc; Nguyen, Ninh
2025 Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
doi: 10.1108/jeee-05-2024-0171
This study aims to examine how entrepreneurial climate, gender inequality perception and self-efficacy affect female students’ entrepreneurial attitudes and intentions, with the moderating role of perceived family support.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected data from 466 female students studying at universities in an emerging economy, i.e. Vietnam. This study assessed the proposed relationships between the examined variables using partial least squares structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results reveal that entrepreneurial climate, as a stimulus factor, significantly influences organism factors, including gender inequality perception, self-efficacy and attitude toward entrepreneurship. Furthermore, gender inequality perception is identified as a barrier to self-efficacy, attitude toward entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial intention. Also, self-efficacy positively influences attitudes toward entrepreneurship and both factors jointly predict entrepreneurial intention. Lastly, perceived family support moderates the relationships between entrepreneurial intention and its antecedents.Originality/valueThis study extends the extant knowledge about the factors affecting women’s entrepreneurial attitudes and behavior, especially in emerging economies. This study’s findings assist university managers, policymakers and researchers in developing effective strategies to reduce the adverse effects of gender inequality perception and promote women's entrepreneurial behavior.
2025 Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
doi: 10.1108/jeee-05-2024-0200
An increased interest in inequality and entrepreneurship has led to little consensus on how to define inequality from different perspectives based on an emerging economy point of view. This article aims to discuss how the precise nature of inequality differs centered on how it is developing in emerging economies.Design/methodology/approachA review of the current literature on inequality, entrepreneurship and emerging economies was conducted to focus on understanding the main factors. This resulted in the identification of six main types of inequality in entrepreneurship (social, digital, economic, cultural, geographic and environmental) and offers specific suggestions for future research.FindingsInequality in emerging economies can be differentiated based on type and level of entrepreneurial development as well as integrated into a conceptual framework that integrates different ways to measure the concept.Originality/valueThis paper focuses on different types of inequality in entrepreneurship from an emerging economy point of view that offers a unique way to understand country differences. In addition, theoretical and methodological directions for future research are outlined, which consolidates current research and extending research on inequality, entrepreneurship and emerging economies.
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