Exploring opportunities and barriers of community based entrepreneurship within handloom communities in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Community based entrepreneurship (CBE) is an entirely different economic development approach from the traditional manufacturer’s base. Also CBE is considered as a promising solution to the livelihood development of small communities in developing countries and acknowledge that it has highest potential in contributing to the economic development as well. Opportunities for CBE within craft traditions have long been recognized as a significant area for development with potential to improve the socio-economic condition of communities. Therefore, this paper attempts to investigate potential openings and barriers for entrepreneurship development in the handloom weaving communities in Sri Lanka. The underpinning research is based on the qualitative exploratory stage of an ongoing study. Based on case study and participatory action research (PAR) approaches, a purposive sampling technique was used to select craftsmen from two handloom communities. The results were analysed taking an emic focus to properly represent findings from participant’s terms and viewpoints in line with our PAR approach. Data was then conceptualized, coded and categorized. The findings of the study reveals that there are opportunities for CBE alongside with the ongoing economic processes of the country and also a number of corresponding challenges that need to be addressed for the sustainable development of Sri Lanka through empowering traditional craft communities and direct them with the mainstream market. Currently possessed operational skills, in hand resources and the use of ethical manufacturing process could positively contribute towards this CBE initiation attempt appreciating the group approach with mutual trust among communities. Also CBE has identified key barriers to develop as: lack of entrepreneurial skills, absence of direct market access, shortfall in networking and communication skills,