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Introduction: Trust, Institutions, and Managing Entrepreneurial Relationships in Africa

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Trust, Institutions and Managing Entrepreneurial Relationships in Africa

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies of Entrepreneurship in Africa ((PSEA))

Abstract

This introductory chapter discusses the emergence of Africa as a destination for doing business and the widespread misunderstanding about the institutions that enable entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses to develop networks, relationships, and trust in Africa. It shows why the current reports and debates on the nature of institutions and how institutions shape entrepreneurial behaviour in Africa is inaccurate. It draws on institutional theories to argue that entrepreneurs draw on the logics of weak state and market institutions and the logics of cultural institutions to develop trust, networks, and relationships in order to do business. It also explains how the abductive approach enables the author to use literature and empirical evidence to present frameworks that extend existing knowledge in institutional theory, entrepreneurship and trust literature. Finally, it contributes to an understanding of the nature and role of institutions in trust development and entrepreneurship in Africa and other emerging economy contexts.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Liverpool Business School, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK

    Isaac Oduro Amoako

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  1. Isaac Oduro Amoako
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Amoako, I.O. (2019). Introduction: Trust, Institutions, and Managing Entrepreneurial Relationships in Africa. In: Trust, Institutions and Managing Entrepreneurial Relationships in Africa. Palgrave Studies of Entrepreneurship in Africa. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98395-0_1

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