| dc.description.abstract | This study explores how frugal entrepreneurs navigate South Africa's resource-constrained environment, focusing on the types of resources they utilize and how they mobilize these resources. The constrained environment presents both limitations and opportunities for innovative practices. Frugal entrepreneurs, characterized by resourcefulness and cost-effectiveness, employ innovative strategies to overcome the economic and social barriers they face.
The research investigates how frugal entrepreneurs mobilize and utilize human, economic, environmental, and technological resources to innovate in resource-constrained settings. A new typology and suggestions for future research are provided. This study is based on qualitative data collected through in-depth interviews with ten frugal entrepreneurs, identified for their commitment to frugal practices.
The study contributes to the under-researched field of frugal entrepreneurship in South Africa, highlighting the importance of a balanced strategy that integrates both effectuation and causation. The results call for improved public support schemes and underscore the significant role of technology in facilitating entrepreneurial growth, offering insights relevant to researchers in the field of entrepreneurship.
Findings reveal that frugal entrepreneurs utilize a combination of effectuation and causation strategies to effectively manage their resources. Effectuation is more prevalent in the startup phase, where frugal entrepreneurs leverage existing resources and networks. As their businesses mature, they increasingly adopt causal strategies, setting specific goals and acquiring necessary resources. This hybrid approach allows for flexibility and strategic adaptation, essential for operating in South Africa's unpredictable and resource-limited environments.
By proposing the practical and theoretical implications of frugal entrepreneurship, this study seeks to inspire entrepreneurial activity in similar contexts globally. It also proposes directions for future research, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced understanding of resource mobilization strategies in varied economic landscapes.
This thesis aims to deepen the understanding of how frugal entrepreneurs in South Africa navigate resource constraints and the strategies they employ in their resource mobilization processes. | |
