Poverty and Enterprise

Abstract

(from the chapter) In psychology, enterprise development has been seen primarily as a function of the personality of the entrepreneur, and in particular as being dependent on the entrepreneur's level of Need for Achievement (nAch). However, the nAch approach has been criticized in the recent psychological literature on poverty, for its lack of attention to social context, and in particular for its inherent individualism. In development studies, nAch has come under fire for failing to predict economic growth in a global setting. Addressing each of these concerns simultaneously, this chapter describes an alternative approach to enterprise development that is as much anchored in traditional values as it is attuned to the global economy. This approach is also geared to the emergent zeitgeist in development studies and practice. A recent World Development Report, for example, highlights a key role, in reducing poverty, for the creation of opportunities, such as those to develop small businesses and experience inclusion within the global economy instead of exclusion from it. This chapter brings that report to life with an updated review about an innovative enterprise development program currently running across the northern region of Indigenous Australia. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (chapter)