Problems Facing Business Associations in Emerging Countries: The Case of Ghana

Masten, John T.; Brown, Steve

doi:10.1177/0266242695134005

Cited by 3 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Thus, it is unsurprising that SMEs' contribution to Ghana's export trade is not well documented (Aryeetey and Ahene, 2005). Business and product associations have emerged to strengthen the role of the private sector and smaller businesses (Masten and Brown, 1995). However, little attention has been paid to how trade associations and cultural forms (as parallel institutions to state-backed institutions) have been drawn on by SMEs in coping with numerous challenges.…”

Section: Study Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Interorganisational relations may rely on institutions that emerge based on formal organisations rather than personalised relationships. Business associations are one key source of external resources for SMEs, offering services ranging from advice, social opportunities, marketing, collective purchasing and self-regulation to lobbying and representing the interests of the businesses (Bennett and Ramsden, 2007; Masten and Brown, 1995). In contexts where legal systems are weak, they also have been found to offer roles in settling disputes (Lyon, 2003).…”

Section: Cultural Influences On the Process Of Building Export-related Relationshipsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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‘We don’t deal with courts’: Cooperation and alternative institutions shaping exporting relationships of small and medium-sized enterprises in Ghana

Amoako

Lyon

2013

International Small Business Journal

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Through an investigation of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) exporting in contexts which lack a formalised institutional environment in a less developed country, this article shows how entrepreneurs cope with institutional deficiency. By drawing on an analysis of 12 SMEs exporting from Ghana to other West African countries, the findings reveal how entrepreneurs and their organisations avoid recourse to the courts and instead, use culturally specific relationships to settle disputes when exporting. Institutional forms operating in parallel to the formal legal system are examined. These are shown to be hybrid forms drawing on traditional cultural institutions such as chieftaincy and religion, combined with forms of corporations and cooperatives. Assumptions around the different roles of family and kinship also are explored. The study contributes to the ongoing development of a theoretical understanding on trust and relationship building in international entrepreneurship, and the importance of understanding cultural context.

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Section: Study Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Cultural Influences On the Process Of Building Export-related Relationshipsmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘We don’t deal with courts’: Cooperation and alternative institutions shaping exporting relationships of small and medium-sized enterprises in Ghana

Amoako

Lyon

2013

International Small Business Journal

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“…Perhaps the small sample size, plus the fact that some firms exhibited a variety of culture types, led to these mixed findings. On the other hand, it may be that because Ghana's market is not yet completely a buyers' economy (Masten and Brown, 1995), these two culture types are not sufficiently distinguished in their links with a firm's level of market orientation.…”

Section: Culture V P E S and Market Orientationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These economic reforms have focused on an extensive reorientation of the productive sectors through a restoration of fiscal and financial discipline. Basically, the program is a macrogovernmental objective used by countries which want to pursue an open market economy and nurture a competitive atmosphere amongst businesses, with the purpose of controlling inflation and enhancing economic growth (Masten and Brown, 1995).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For instance, under the present SAP in Ghana "aggregate levels of public spending on health and education have generally been regressive in absolute terms such that, less goes to the poor and more to the rich" (Ghana Review International, December 15,1995, p. 13). This is evidenced in the work of Masten and Brown (1995), who contend that privatization initiatives, one of the hallmarks of the SAP, may actually reduce industrialization in Ghana. The authors further note that donor support of private associations and enterprises may, in the long run, lead to a dependency relationship.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Business strategy, organizational culture, and market orientation

Appiah‐Adu

Blankson

1998

Thunderbird Intl Bus Rev

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This study investigates the impact of the structural adjustment program (SAP) on business practices in an emerging African country. The research instrument was based on constructs of business strategy, organizational culture, and market orientation. Compilation of the research data was achieved through in‐depth interviews and a self‐administered mail survey. The findings provide evidence of a positive influence of SAP‐induced strategies and certain culture types on the level of firm market orientation. The article concludes with a discussion on management implications as well as directions for future research. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Financing small and medium-scale contractors in developing countries: a Ghana case study

Eyiah

Cook

2003

Construction Management and Economics

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Little success has been achieved in financing assistant programmes for contractors in developing countries. This paper focuses on the experience of the Bank for Housing and Construction (BHC) of Ghana. Factors accountable for underachievement of its programme include: contractor's lack of managerial and technical capability; inability to obtain contracts; persistent delayed payments by major clients; and the deliberate refusal to repay loans. Suggestions offered for improving the effectiveness of programmes, on the academic and practical front, relate well with developments in small and medium-size enterprise (SME) finance. A survey in Ghana found that there was a strong desire to establish a contractors' bank. There would be the need for the contractors association to reform before it could play a meaningful role in the proposed bank. The importance of effective governance in achieving success cannot be overemphasized, likewise the role of government and donors in encouraging the setting up of a conducive regulatory framework.Developing Countries, Ghana, Contractors, Sme, Finance,

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Problems Facing Business Associations in Emerging Countries: The Case of Ghana

Cited by 3 publications

References 7 publications

‘We don’t deal with courts’: Cooperation and alternative institutions shaping exporting relationships of small and medium-sized enterprises in Ghana

‘We don’t deal with courts’: Cooperation and alternative institutions shaping exporting relationships of small and medium-sized enterprises in Ghana

Business strategy, organizational culture, and market orientation

Financing small and medium-scale contractors in developing countries: a Ghana case study

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