The Motivation to Become Indigenous Entrepreneur: A Case of Orang Asli in Malaysia

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is an essential contribution to the economy and development of a nation. This study aims to understand what may motivate Orang Asli to become indigenous entrepreneurs. Using a qualitative approach, this study employs a semi-structured in-depth interview to collect data from ten indigenous entrepreneurs in the tourism business. According to the findings, the Orang Asli are motivated to become indigenous entrepreneurs because of the following reasons: to create job opportunities and income for the community, generate funds for the community, increase demand for tourist activities at their place, personal interest, promote and preserve the culture and lastly improve any negative perceptions towards Orang Asli. This study's findings provide a reference for the relevant authorities to strengthen training or entrepreneurship programs to support Orang Asli in pursuing indigenous entrepreneurial activities in the tourism business.

Reframing Indigenous tourism entrepreneurial personality, experience, sense of community and challenges in community-based tourism-related business

“…Even though they can seek government support to learn how to expand their economic activities through tourism entrepreneurship, it raises numerous internal and external challenges (Shah et al , 2018; Roddin et al , 2015). This includes work stress, combating a negative mindset, overwhelming feelings, a lack of support, competition in business, limited raw materials, marketing problems, being unknown to modern technology and lack of skilled workers (Brändle et al , 2018; Cheng and Hong, 2021). As a result, there is limited evidence that their entrepreneurial tourism activities contribute favourably to their individual and communities’ overall well-being (Simpong et al , 2018; Zahari et al , 2019).…”

“…We know that entrepreneurial success is determined by personality, experience and a sense of community traits (Brändle et al , 2018; Chen et al , 2018; Cheng and Hong, 2021; Kerr et al , 2017). Entrepreneurial personality researchers claimed that personality trait dimensions include characteristics that drive behaviour traits and are considered the source of mental and behavioural processes (Brändle et al , 2018; Mrabure, 2019).…”

“…These personality characteristics impact the strategic management planning of businesses, their desire to expand into new sectors and their efforts to operate it effectively (Brändle et al , 2018). Since then, most research has focused on establishing which personality types are more likely to inspire individuals to become entrepreneurs (Cheng and Hong, 2021; Kerr et al , 2017). However, relatively little research has been conducted to determine which personality types are more likely to lead their companies into the future successfully (Brändle et al , 2018; Cheng and Hong, 2021; Kerr et al , 2017).…”

“…Since then, most research has focused on establishing which personality types are more likely to inspire individuals to become entrepreneurs (Cheng and Hong, 2021; Kerr et al , 2017). However, relatively little research has been conducted to determine which personality types are more likely to lead their companies into the future successfully (Brändle et al , 2018; Cheng and Hong, 2021; Kerr et al , 2017). Notably, the barriers to entrepreneurship often represent a constellation of tangible and intangible factors.…”

“…Entrepreneurship had become part of rural socio-cultural elements, which was the driving factor for participating in tourism in related businesses (Cheng and Hong, 2021; Brändle et al , 2018). As modernisation emerged, tourism entrepreneurship has become a vital aspect of a balanced development strategy among Indigenous communities.…”