Local relationships matter! The impact of intellectual capital on entrepreneurial bricolage in African social entrepreneurs

Abstract

However, they typically face several challenges and constraints when operating in resource-scarce environments. For this reason, social entrepreneurs typically engage in entrepreneurial bricolage, which is described as a process of using whatever tools and resources necessary that are immediately available. The behavioral theory of entrepreneurial bricolage attempts to understand what entrepreneurs do when faced with resource constraints. In this vital process, little empirical research has been conductedto investigate what drives social entrepreneurs to engage in such a way. This study aims to understand the antecedents of bricolage and, in particular, empirically test its link to intellectual capital. A survey was administered to 115 social entrepreneurs from Ghana and Sierra Leone. Data analysis shows that relational capital plays a crucial role in driving social entrepreneurs to engage with bricolage. In fact, the quality of local relationships and external support received (by suppliers, customers, and communities) is positively related and statistically significant with entrepreneurial bricolage. The results of this study not only extend the academic literature of bricolage in social entrepreneurship but also point out the focal role of relational capital as an enabler toward effectively operating in difficult conditions in developing African countries. We thus provide theoretical implications to the field of social entrepreneurship through the lens of intellectual capital and knowledge management. Practical implications are provided to social entrepreneurs operating in developing countries, such as government, NGOs, and agencies seeking to support entrepreneurship initiatives. Limitations and future research opportunities are suggested as well.

Does corporate governance moderate the relationship between intellectual capital and firm's performance?

“…Intellectual capital is generally considered an intangible asset that can add significant value to firms. Intellectual capital management plays an essential role in firms that systematically use organizational resources such as knowledge, skills, expertise, innovation and customer relationships (Ciambotti et al, 2021; Sgrò et al, 2020; Hamdan et al, 2017;). Intellectual capital promotes a firm's performance.…”

How socio-cultural transition helps to improve entrepreneurial intentions among women?

“…Michaelis et al, (2022) found some psychological factors more important to develop perceived resourcefulness than others. In the context of intellectual capital theory, Ciambotti et al, (2021) Family, as the primary social institution, has a significant impact on the perceptions and behaviours of its members. Family norms that support entrepreneurial action is an important precondition of such action, especially for women in cultures that score low in femininity.…”

“…Similarly, Ciambotti et al, (2021) explores the antecedents of entrepreneurial bricolage using intellectual capital theory among African social entrepreneurs. Recognising that intellectual capital, more specifically human capital, is the most significant strategic asset and an important precursor of innovation capital and sustainable development in knowledge-driven economies (Alvino et al, 2021) the Saudi government has increasingly invested not only in creating human capital but also in nurturing a favourable socio-cultural environment in which this intellectual capital inspires successful entrepreneurial action.…”

Unpacking social impact scaling strategies: challenges and responses in African social enterprises as differentiated hybrid organizations

“…A major advantage of the research design (matching Criteria 2 and 3) is the decision to focus on DHOs operating in Kenya and Uganda, as they represent a flourishing field for SEs (Kolk and Rivera-Santos, 2018; Ciambotti et al. , 2021).…”