Destructive Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets: Causes and Consequences

The book investigates the intricate world of entrepreneurship, examining its dual nature as a force for constructive societal change as well as a potential source of destructive consequences. To examine these two facets in detail, the book scrutinizes the interplay between individual actions and institutional frameworks, showing how entrepreneurship can drive economic and social progress or hinder it through rent-seeking behaviors and exploitation of institutional gaps. By analyzing various settings, from capitalist to state-controlled economies, the book highlights the role of the ’rules of the game’ in determining whether entrepreneurial activities contribute positively to society or perpetuate inequality and inefficiency. As such, in the context of emerging markets, this book addresses the question of when are entrepreneurial activities constructive and when are they destructive?

Through a nuanced examination of diverse economic settings and institutional environments, the book illuminates how entrepreneurship can foster innovation and social value while also perpetuating corruption and inefficiency. By integrating theoretical frameworks with empirical evidence, it provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing both productive and destructive entrepreneurial behaviors. The aim is to deepen readers’ understanding of how entrepreneurship interacts with various contexts and to advocate for ethical and socially responsible practices, ultimately inviting contemplation on the challenges and opportunities that arise in the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship. As such, this book is a valuable resource for scholars studying these phenomena but also practitioners, and policymakers alike.

Amir Emami is an Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and Innovation in the Faculty of Management at Kharazmi University. He earned his PhD in Management, Production, and Design from Politecnico di Torino (Italy), and he was a Visiting Researcher at the School of Management, University of Bath (UK). His expertise revolves around new venture creation, market and technological innovations, and sustainable entrepreneurship. His research focuses on the micro-foundations of entrepreneurial processes, exploring the factors that influence the creation of new value and examining how the dynamic interaction between entrepreneurs and the environmental context shapes entrepreneurial actions. His publications have appeared in international journals such as the Journal of Business Research, the International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, and the International Small Business Journal. He is a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Enterprising Communities: People & Places.

Esin Yoruk is Associate Professor at the Centre for Business in Society (CBiS) at Coventry University, UK. She obtained her PhD in Innovation Management and Science & Technology Policy from SPRU at the University of Sussex. Her research interests have been about technology and innovation management in SMEs and entrepreneurship from a systemic perspective, and especially their contribution to economic, social and inclusive growth. Her research has been published in Research Policy, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Journal of Small Business Management among others. She serves as Associate Editor in the International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Journal of Enterprising Communities, and is member of Editorial Board of the Journal of Innovation & Knowledge and International Journal of Technological Learning Innovation and Development. 

Andrew Johnston is Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Huddersfield Business School, University of Huddersfield, UK. He is an economist by training, with his research interests focusing on inter-related processes of innovation and entrepreneurship within small businesses, particularly areas such as networking, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and university-industry collaboration. He has published his research in these areas in journals such as Regional Studies, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Industry and Innovation, The Journal of Technology Transfer, and Technovation. 

Andrea Caputo is Professor of Strategy & Negotiation at the University of Lincoln, UK, and at the University of Trento, Italy. In 2018, he co-founded with other academics the UNESCO Chair in Responsible Foresight for Sustainable Development. He obtained his PhD from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy. His main research interests include entrepreneurial decision-making, negotiation, digitalization and sustainability, internationalization and strategic management of SMEs. He is Editor of the book series “Entrepreneurial Behaviour”, Editor in Chief of Strategic Change and Journal of Enteprising Communities. His award-winning research has been published in over 100 contributions.

Paul Jones is Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Swansea University’s School of Management. He is currently Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, Senior Editor at the Journal Information Technology and People and Associate Editor for the International Journal of Management Education. He is also Editor of the book series, ‘Contemporary Issues in Entrepreneurship Research’. He sits on the Board of Trustees of the Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE), UK.