Entrepreneurial Barriers that are Confronted by Entrepreneurs Living with Physical Disabilities: A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Living with a physical disability can interfere with an individual’s ability to participate actively in economic and social life. It is imperative to comprehensively understand the entrepreneurial barriers hindering the development of entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities. In spite of the increasing research on entrepreneurship, there seems to be a paucity of studies that have investigated the entrepreneurial barriers that are faced by entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities in South Africa. This study set out to explore the entrepreneurial barriers that are confronted by entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities. In this study, data were collected within the Sebokeng Township, which is an African township located in the Vaal Triangle, south of Johannesburg in South Africa. A qualitative research approach was used to collect data for the study. The researchers gathered qualitative data by means of semi-structured face-to-face interviews and focus groups. The analysis of the qualitative data was conducted through the use of thematic analysis. The themes that emerged from the findings include lack of equipment and machinery, discrimination, business networking, hardships in obtaining start-up capital, knowledge of support centres for entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities, and lack of education and training. Each theme was discussed individually, followed by substantiating quotes. Most respondents stressed that the barriers they face hinder the survival and growth of their ventures. The paper suggested that in order to help entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities, the South African government must formulate some schemes that are most necessary for their improvement and betterment of their life.

Renewable Energy Access Challenge at Household Level for the Poor in Rural Zimbabwe: Is Biogas Energy a Remedy?

“…The discussion in this research paper is presented in line with the themes that arose from the focus group and interview transcripts. Thematic analysis is defined as a meticulous process of identifying, analysing and reporting themes that emerge from a qualitative study (Maziriri et al, 2017). Thematic analysis is regarded as the "foundational method for qualitative analysis" and was the chosen to formally commerce the analytical process given its suitability to the exploratory nature of the research (Apolloni, 2010. p. 88).…”

“…Thematic analysis is regarded as the "foundational method for qualitative analysis" and was the chosen to formally commerce the analytical process given its suitability to the exploratory nature of the research (Apolloni, 2010. p. 88). The major advantage of thematic analysis is that it is a logical process that allows the researcher to scrutinize interview transcripts comprehensively and glean all possible themes (Maziriri et al, 2017;Muposhi, 2015. p. 168;Muposhi et al, 2015. p. 230). The following framework indicates the main themes identified in the data sources.…”

Entrepreneurial Inclination: South African Youth’s Mental Attitude towards starting Tourism Business

“…Singh and Singh (2016) report that positive attitude, motivation and perceived behavioral control are the qualifications of entrepreneurial inclination. Previous studies conducted globally, recognised entrepreneurship as a tool for driving a nation's economy (Chell et al, 2016;Gree & Thurnik, 2003;Iwu et al, 2016;Maziriri & Madinga, 2016;Maziriri et al, 2017). Sandhu et al (2011) outlined the barriers of entrepreneurship to be aversion to stress and hard work, aversion to risk, fear of failure, lack of social networking, lack of resources, and demographic and personal factors.…”

“…This information is relevant as this research is concerned with entrepreneurial inclination. Previous authors (such as Burger, Mahadea & Neil, 2004;Maziriri & Madinga, 2016;Maziriri, Madinga & Lose, 2017;Steenekamp, Van der Merwe & Athayde, 2011) have reported that South African population (the youth inclusive) does not suffer from a lack of creative spirit, but from a lack of business education and entrepreneurial skills that can empower them in an enabling environment. Iwu et al (2016) put forward that among other factors, the socioeconomic conditions and education system are the most critical factors influencing the development of entrepreneurship in the global economy.…”

“…South Africa, just like any other developing country, aims to build a strong economy that will become globally competitive. Previous studies posit that entrepreneurship is a vehicle that can drive any nation's economy (Chell, Spence, Perrini, & Harris, 2016;Gree & Thurnik, 2003;Iwu, Ezeuduji, Eresia-Eke & Tengeh, 2016;Maziriri & Madinga, 2016;Maziriri, Madinga & Lose, 2017). As every nation in the world tries to decrease the unemployment levels of its youth, the youth also need to help themselves by making a practical identification of business opportunities around them and turning these into business venture.…”