Cultural Impediments to Entrepreneurship Development

Abstract

Purpose: The country direly needs to develop its entrepreneurial capability which is the key engine for economic development and poverty eradication. The Sri Lankan culture embraces collectivism and the traditional values of Theravada Buddhism, a belief system which inherently functions against the fostering of entrepreneurial spirit. Removing impediments to entrepreneurship is a key challenge for the country. Findings: Sri Lanka is presently recovering from the destruction of the economy because of 30 years of civil war. The country is confronted by high government debt representing almost 80% of the GDP. Almost half of the population lived on less than $5 per day in 2013. Originality/value: Using Sri Lanka as a case in point, this paper assesses the influence culture has on entrepreneurship and explores initiatives and measures that can be used to strengthen inherent cultural values that stimulate entrepreneurial spirit, encourage risk-taking, and in turn promote economic development. Paper type: Research paper.

Keywords

• Culture
• Economic Development
• Entrepreneurship
• Policy
• Sri Lanka