The emergence of small business in Libya: cases in the tourism sector

Tagiuri, A.H., 2007. The emergence of small business in Libya: cases in the tourism sector. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

This study investigates the emergence of small business within the tourism context in Libya. It seeks to develop an in-depth understanding of how business-owners establish and develop their businesses and the socio-economic and political factors that shape their emergence. A conceptual framework has been developed from this investigation. The model was built on the perspective that entrepreneurship is a process. It demonstrates that it is the interaction between many variables related to micro and macro levels that led to the emergence of small businesses in Libya.

A qualitative research approach was adopted for this investigation and four case studies were selected by means of purposive sampling, two tourism firms and two transport operators. Fieldwork was conducted between October 2003 and February 2006 which reflects the longitudinal nature of the empirical study. In-depth interview with owner managers was the principal source of data collection. Other sources included supplementary interviews with officials in the Ministry of Tourism, non-participant observations, and documentary sources. A cross-case analysis was carried out for this investigation.

Results indicated that positive change in political and economic policies was a key factor in the creation and development of small businesses in Libya. Interestingly, this study shows that negative changes also created business opportunities. Social capital played a major role in the emergence of small firms particularly, the support received from family members and the personal and business contacts. Socio-cultural issues such as language, religion, social norms, and past history were also found to have an influence on the survival and development of small ventures. Furthermore, this research exemplifies the role of small firms in facilitating the development of the tourism industry through changing the poor international image of the country, creating job opportunities, improving the tourism infrastructure, and increasing foreign exchange.

Item Type:	Thesis
Creators:	Tagiuri, A.H.
Date:	2007
ISBN:	9781369314762
Identifiers:	Number Type PQ10183210 Other
Divisions:	Schools > Nottingham Business School
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	22 Sep 2020 07:34
Last Modified:	03 Aug 2023 10:03
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/40862

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