Instigating transformative entrepreneurship in subsistence communities: Supporting leaders' transcendence and self-determination

Abstract

This research exposes a process of bottom-up development that supports leaders’ transcendent motives and self-determination needs to instigate transformative entrepreneurship within their communities. The process is illuminated by actions taken in development organizations working within subsistence communities. Findings reveal that as community leaders and members served by these organizations experience fulfillment of their need for transcendence and self-determination they become change-agents in their communities. Development organizations support the move from personal transcendence to taking action, as they empower, connect, and equip community leaders to become the change they want in their communities. When leaders take action, they launch initiatives in the form of transformative entrepreneurship, provide services, fuel much-needed economic growth, and stimulate a positive upward spiral of wellbeing in communities. This research contributes a practical, holistic, yet nuanced, grounded theory useful for development of initiatives to instigate transformative effort that targets wellbeing uplift in impoverished and oppressed communities.

RESPONSIBLE GUEST EDITOR:

• Professor Diane Holt

KEYWORDS:

• transformative entrepreneurship
• bottom-up development
• transcendence motives
• anthropological model
• self-determination theory

Acknowledgement

This research was made possible, in part, through support from McCoy College of Business, Texas State University.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Steven W. Rayburn

Steven Rayburn focuses on the organizational frontline to understand the strategic implications of service design and service processes on entrepreneur, worker, and consumer outcomes. His research helps organizations’ simultaneously reach financial and operational goals; provide for employee satisfaction and wellbeing; and meet the needs of customers. Dr. Rayburn works with development, retail, service, manufacturing, construction, and sales organizations around the world.

Gideon Ochieng

Gideon Ochieng is Director of Center for Transforming Mission Kenya which focuses on leadership development of which economic empowerment is key. The organization serves informal settlements across the city of Nairobi by gathering leaders, building their capacity, and carrying out joint initiatives aimed at building communities of resilience that not only survive but thrive in the light of the ongoing challenges brought about by increasing urbanization.