No matter which African country I go to, there is always antagonism between the locals and the "imports" from elsewhere in Africa. This raises the question about whether there is a difference in the level of entrepreneurial drive between the native populations of different countries in Africa.
In South Africa there is a perception that the people from Ghana and Nigeria are better business people than the locals. In Botswana recently I heard comments about the Kenyans and the Tanzanians being good business people and being better than the locals.
All these countries have previously been British colonies and share a similar educational heritage. So is there a tangible difference.
I have not seen any research to support either perspective. However, I do have a theory which is that the real issue is that no matter who you are, when you are an "outsider" in another country, you do not have the support networks, the contracts, the friends that the locals do, the local market knowledge, and so you find it harder to make a living. Furthermore if you are an illegal alien, or perhaps even if you are legal, it is unlikely you will find a job in the formal sector in countries with high unemployment. Xenophobia will ensure you never get shortlisted!! Therefore as the outsider you soon reach desperation level, and have to resort to survivalist entrepreneurial activities.
This topic could very well provide a great topic for a Masters or Phd thesis. I would love to see the results of research in this topic.
To learn more about this author, visit Rob Smorfitt's Website.
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Dianne Crampton
Dianne Crampton is an Executive Leadership Coach and Team Building Consultant and creator of the TIGERS team development model. For the past twenty years she has helped leaders and teams achieve goals with high levels of collaboration and teamwork.
Crampton is a published author. Her contribution to Working Together: Diversity As Opportunity was endorsed by Stephen Covey. She has written for trade magazines. Merrill Lynch nominated her business for Inc. Magazine’s regional small business and entrepreneurial awards. Her work with Native Americans was recognized at a United Nations sponsored conference in 1994.
The TIGERS model passed two rigorous validation studies in 1992 and 1994. The TIGERS Survey is able to measure and track team development over time.
Dianne is also the creator and distributor of the TIGERS Team Wheel game. This game helps groups identify behaviors that build collaborative groups and behaviors that cause conflict, morale problems, production failures, and misunderstandings.
For more information, or to subscribe to TigerTracks, a free monthly leadership and team newsletter go to http://www.corevalues.com - Visit Dianne Crampton's Website |
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Rob Smorfitt
(Visit Rob's Website)
Based in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
Married with 3 children (22, 21 and 14).
Have an MBA and am currently doing a PhD
in entrepreneurial success. I have been
self employed since 1982. I have started
26 and bought 5 businesses since then.
Most were sold again and a few were shut
down because of a lack of profitability.
Many were run by staff or family while I
worked in full time employment in my
bigger businesses. 6 books written in SME
and Project Management educational field.
Written articles for various magazines,
newspapers and websites.
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