Indigenous African Enterprise: The Igbo Traditional Business School (I-TBS)

This book explores the business practices of the Igbo people in Nigeria, focusing on apprenticeships, entrepreneurial clusters, sales practices, conflict management, talent recruitment, indigenous financial practices, locally-generated venture capital, family businesses, and succession planning. It is valuable for academics, practitioners, and policymakers interested in sustainable business models and indigenous entrepreneurship systems in Africa.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2020
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

This comprehensive volume in the Advanced Series in Management delves into the rich tapestry of business practices of the vibrant southeastern Igbos of Nigeria. It explores the historical roots, evolution, and fundamental themes that shape these practices, encompassing a wide range of aspects such as apprenticeships, entrepreneurial clusters, sales strategies, conflict management, talent recruitment, indigenous financial systems, locally-generated venture capital, family businesses, and succession planning.

The Igbo Traditional Business School (I-TBS), a unique institution, operates outside the traditional classroom setting. Despite lacking a physical library or an official address, it upholds a profound tradition of lifelong entrepreneurial learning. This unconventional approach is a valuable field of study, particularly in the context of growing interest in Africa-centric business models. It is essential to examine sustainable business prototypes that are rooted in established cultural practices, norms, and values, as they hold the potential to contribute to the discourse on sustainable development in Africa and frontier markets.

Academics will find this volume an invaluable resource, as it offers a comprehensive examination of innovative business practices pioneered by the I-TBS. These practices not only showcase the resilience and adaptability of indigenous entrepreneurship systems but also provide valuable insights into sustainable development in African contexts. By exploring the unique practices of the Igbos, scholars can contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable development and frontier markets, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities and opportunities within these regions.

On the other hand, practitioners and policymakers will gain valuable insights into the distinctive practices of an indigenous entrepreneurship system in an African context. The findings presented in this volume have significant implications for socioeconomic advancements and can inform policies and strategies aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, economic growth, and social development. By understanding the unique characteristics and strategies of the Igbos, practitioners can adapt and replicate these practices in other African contexts, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable economic landscape.

In conclusion, this volume in the Advanced Series in Management provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the business practices of the southeastern Igbos of Nigeria. It sheds light on the historical roots, evolution, and key themes that shape these practices, while also highlighting the unique characteristics of the Igbo Traditional Business School. By examining sustainable business prototypes built on cultural practices, norms, and values, this volume contributes to the discourse on sustainable development in Africa and frontier markets. It offers valuable insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities and opportunities within these regions.

Weight: 584g
Dimension: 173 x 249 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839090349