Markets and institutional swamps: tensions confronting entrepreneurs in developing countries

Matthias Olthaar*, Wilfred Dolfsma, Clemens Lutz, Florian Noseleit

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)
86 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Unrealized potential of entrepreneurial activities in developing countries has often been attributed to missing formal market-based institutions. In new institutional economics, the concept of 'voids' is suggested to describe the absence of market-based institutions. In reality, however, 'institutional fabrics' are always and necessarily complex and rich in institutions. No societal sphere is institutionally void. In this article, we contribute to existing literature on entrepreneurship and institutional economics by presenting a framework for studying the richness and complexities of institutional fabrics, as well as ways in which entrepreneurs respond to institutions. Distinguishing four types of institutions relevant for entrepreneurs, we analyze case study data from Ethiopia, and discuss how 'tensions' between potentially incompatible institutions result in behavioral frictions. Some entrepreneurs play the complex institutional environment and benefit from the tensions in it, whereas others may drown into the institutional 'swamp' they face. Policy makers should acknowledge that institutions not only result from formal policy making and that in many cases a diverse set of institutions is needed to facilitate market exchange and solve constraining tensions. The diversity that results from initiatives of institutional entrepreneurs may create a more effective institutional environment for development.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)243-269
Number of pages27
JournalJournal of Institutional Economics
Volume13
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun-2017

Keywords

  • EMERGING MARKETS
  • BUSINESS GROUPS
  • RED TAPE
  • ORGANIZATIONS
  • VOIDS
  • INTERMEDIARIES
  • PERSPECTIVE
  • STRATEGIES
  • BANGLADESH
  • CORRUPTION

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