Interpreting how religious values affect entrepreneurial behaviour

• Main Author: Yusof, Rohana
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: HB Economic Theory
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/3285/1/R3.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/3285/; http://www.usm.my/kanita

There are several studies on the impact of economic and political environment on entrepreneur’s business performance, but just a few studies on the impact of the entrepreneur’s cultural and personal background on their business practices (Alwis and Senathiraja, 2003). A study by Waldinger (1990) have shown that cultural background influence their ethnic business.He highlighted that the business success with strategies, heavily depends on the nature of ties among co-ethics and on the shape of social networks in which immigrants are embedded. Simon (1995) too studied the enterprise culture and how an entrepreneur influence to act in such a way.Most of the cultural in any society basically develop due to religion. It provides the philosophical foundation for beliefs and values (Alwis and Senathiraja, 2003). According to Nanayakkara (1997) as a result of the sophistication of Asian societies there has developed some unique norms and values which are reflected in the conduct of business and management of organizations. These norms and values have close resemblance to some aspects of Buddhist ways of life as practiced within many reformulations of Buddhism in different parts of Asia. Therefore factors may vary in different environment, religious and cultural backgrounds which influence women to venture into business and entrepreneurship. This paper discusses to what extent religious and cultural values has an influence on how women interpret their entrepreneurial behaviors and practices. Insights into the influence of religion and cultural values is based on a study of 31 Malay rural business women in Kedah, Malaysia. This study shows that the women business-owners asserted that the success or failure of an entrepreneur depends not only on inherent socio-psychological attributes or socio-economic attributes but also placed importance on being a pious, committed and a dedicated Muslim woman. They are able to construct the relationship between religious values and their contribution to business success. Hence, this paper will attempt to interpret how religion that is Islam influenced their entrepreneurial behavior and practices.