Encouraging sustainable entrepreneurship in climate-threatened communities: a Samoan case study |
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Authors: | Brendan James Gray Suzanne Duncan Jodyanne Kirkwood Sara Walton |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Marketing, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand;2. School of Māori, Pacific &3. Indigenous Studies—Te Tumu, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand;4. Centre for Entrepreneurship, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand;5. Department of Management, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand |
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Abstract: | South Pacific island states are at the forefront of climatic changes that have precipitated severe environmental events. These small countries also face economic and social challenges that require entrepreneurial solutions. We develop a model of how external factors and chance events impact on sustainable opportunity recognition and exploitation in this context. We assess the efficacy of this model in an in-depth study of Women in Business Development Incorporated, a non-governmental organization that helps women and families in Samoa to establish sustainable enterprises. Our findings make a significant contribution to the emerging literature on entrepreneurship, sustainability and resilience in at-risk communities by showing how key organizational capabilities are necessary for coping with exogenous shocks in this context. The findings have important implications for research, policy and practice. |
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Keywords: | climate change social entrepreneurship community enterprise sustainability resilience |
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