African business models: an exploration of the role of culture and family in entrepreneurship

Abstract

This paper is an exploration of successful entrepreneurship and business skills in African extended families with a focus on Zimbabwe. Oral tradition has it that, wealth in an African set up does not exceed three generations. The thrust on social entrepreneurship is important for African business development, it pushes families and communities for the adoption of a mind-set for self-drive and creativity through the transfer of knowledge and skills. In Africa, Social Work profession, must focus on community capacity building and resilience to sustain families and communities. It plays a role in the drive for creativity and African cultural and business management systems. This study therefore examines the Shona view of entrepreneurship, discusses this in the context of major themes emanating from entrepreneurship views from other parts of the world and proposes African house of entrepreneurship model.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, family, culture, community social enterprises, self-reliance, Zimbabwe, Africa