Article: Buddhist socio-cultural influences on entrepreneurial actions and performance: case of rural Thailand Journal: Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development (JIBED) 2016 Vol.9 No.1 pp.118 - 134 Abstract: This study examines entrepreneurs in the Buddhist socio-cultural setting of rural villages of Thailand. Avoiding conflict is a cultural norm and business challenge for Buddhists, who have social and ethical obligations to present oneself as avoiding 'clashes' at any cost, particularly in a rural environment that is fraught with uncertainty and the 'triple jeopardy' effect. A total of 178 rural small business respondents from 31 Buddhist provinces with different economic development were obtained through interview-based field research using a survey questionnaire administered in-person on-site. Although the Buddhist context fosters peace loving entrepreneurs, it was found that non-financial success matters more, 'reactive' actions were taken in response to competition instead of aggressive preemptive actions, and there was positive correlation between proactiveness, risk-taking and innovativeness. This suggests the need to consider alternative models of socio-economic development that offer a more holistic and balanced approach for rural Buddhist entrepreneurs. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Buddhist socio-cultural influences on entrepreneurial actions and performance: case of rural Thailand

Authors: Lavanchawee Sujarittanonta

Addresses: Institute of Public Administration and Governance (IPAG), Shinawatra University, 197 BBD Building, Viphavadi-Rangsit Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

Abstract: This study examines entrepreneurs in the Buddhist socio-cultural setting of rural villages of Thailand. Avoiding conflict is a cultural norm and business challenge for Buddhists, who have social and ethical obligations to present oneself as avoiding 'clashes' at any cost, particularly in a rural environment that is fraught with uncertainty and the 'triple jeopardy' effect. A total of 178 rural small business respondents from 31 Buddhist provinces with different economic development were obtained through interview-based field research using a survey questionnaire administered in-person on-site. Although the Buddhist context fosters peace loving entrepreneurs, it was found that non-financial success matters more, 'reactive' actions were taken in response to competition instead of aggressive preemptive actions, and there was positive correlation between proactiveness, risk-taking and innovativeness. This suggests the need to consider alternative models of socio-economic development that offer a more holistic and balanced approach for rural Buddhist entrepreneurs.

Keywords: rural areas; rural entrepreneurs; Buddhist influences; Buddhism; socio-cultural influences; entrepreneurial actions; entrepreneurial performance; Thailand; triple jeopardy; proactiveness; risk taking; innovation; entrepreneurship; ethical obligations; social obligations; small business; small firms; economic development; socio-economic development; holistic approach; Buddhist entrepreneurs.

DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2016.074026

Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development, 2016 Vol.9 No.1, pp.118 - 134

Published online: 03 Jan 2016 *

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Title: Buddhist socio-cultural influences on entrepreneurial actions and performance: case of rural Thailand

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