Bhavani Shankar Saripalli and Vinaysingh Chawan
The purpose of this paper is to analyse interventions of various forms of organisations operating with the objective of connecting subsistence entrepreneurs (SEs) with the formal…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse interventions of various forms of organisations operating with the objective of connecting subsistence entrepreneurs (SEs) with the formal economy. This work also attempts to understand and analyse the transformational role played by these organisations. Finally, the paper aims to arrive at a conceptual framework for organisations interested in playing a transformational role.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper deals with subsistence entrepreneurship and business models for subsistence economies. It draws from case studies of six organisations operating with the objective to connect subsistence entrepreneurs with formal economy. Each case chosen is unique with respect to the organisational form it takes to achieve the objective. However, a lot of similarity can be seen in the components of the business model adopted by these organisations.
Findings
Organisations which emerge keeping the context of rural producers in mind survive and support SEs in the long run. SEs need not always get converted into transformational entrepreneurs. However, with the help of organisations which collectivise SEs, they can interact with formal economy. Such organisations help large numbers of SEs to sustain and possibly move out of subsistence status over a period of time. These organisations have to fill the voids left by government or market institutions so as to create enabling conditions for SEs to thrive. Despite the efforts of the organisations, it is not possible for all SEs to move out of their subsistence status and existence in informal markets. However, it is possible in case of some SEs at least, as the institutional support gives them more certainty in incomes.
Research limitations/ implications
The paper does not take a business model adopted by government institution for the purpose of analysis.
Practical implications
The paper offers practical suggestions for organisations interested in collectivising SEs with the aim to improve their returns from market transactions.
Originality/value
The paper offers a conceptual framework to enrich the understanding of role played by organisations working towards collectivising SEs. It adds to the debate of subsistence entrepreneurship and transformational entrepreneurship. It elaborates the elements of social capital created by these organisations at the meso level. Finally, it re-emphasises the strengths of informal economy to support the customer value proposition for formal markets.
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Keywords
Pradeepkumar Chokkannan, Saripalli Bhavani Shankar and Murugan Pattusamy
This study aims to examine the positive impact of showrooming on the fashion retail business by examining the interrelationship between deal-seeking on mobile devices and digital…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the positive impact of showrooming on the fashion retail business by examining the interrelationship between deal-seeking on mobile devices and digital coupon redemption intention on mobile shopping intention.
Design/methodology/approach
Purposive sampling was used to obtain data from 496 fashion apparel customers using the database of an online survey collection platform. Stimulus organism response (S-O-R) theory was used to examine the influence of showrooming on showroomers' mobile shopping intentions.
Findings
The findings suggest price consciousness is negatively related to showrooming and product involvement is positively related. In addition, showrooming affects the intention to redeem digital coupons and mobile deal-seeking. The intention to redeem digital coupons boosted mobile deal-seeking behavior. The impact of mobile deal-seeking on showroomers' mobile purchase intention is significant.
Research limitations/implications
This research focused on fashion product consumers and generalization of the findings may be limited. The literature on positive effect of showrooming phenomenon on brick-and-mortar stores are scarce further extensive research may provide substantial generalization.
Practical implications
This demonstrates how showroomers may be successfully enticed to make purchases on the Brick-and-Mortar (B&M) store's online channel.
Originality/value
This study provides insights on navigating the showroomers into online channel customers.
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Bhavani Shankar Saripalli, Vinaysingh Chawan and Srinivas Gunta
Empowerment of women by social enterprises in emerging economies has received attention from researchers. This paper aims to study three social enterprises in India that aim to…
Abstract
Purpose
Empowerment of women by social enterprises in emerging economies has received attention from researchers. This paper aims to study three social enterprises in India that aim to empower subsistence women entrepreneurs.
Design/methodology/approach
A comparative case analysis of three social enterprises is done to develop understanding of systems and processes adopted by them. Sources such as published journal and news articles, case studies, success stories and official websites are used for data collection.
Findings
The study found that all three organisations strive to increase the asset base of members by organizing disempowered subsistence producers lacking market power; extending services throughout the value chain, i.e. from raw material supply to marketing of products; ploughing back regular incomes and bonuses through mechanisms acceptable to all members; and empowering subsistence producers to gain market power and ability to choose. The interventions give market exposure and voice to the concerns of women producers. These organisations successfully leverage the strength of their relations with civil society and markets in sustaining the business. Women empowerment was found to be achieved through regular income, collective voice, ability to take decisions and creation of social value.
Research limitations/implications
This paper does not take into consideration enterprises promoted by government.
Practical implications
A conceptual framework is suggested in this paper along with insights for organisations interested in collectivising subsistence women for empowering them.
Originality/value
The conceptual framework provided in this paper enriches the understanding of social enterprises working with the objective of women empowerment.