Doing business in Africa : from growth to development /: from growth to development. (2021)

• Record Type: Book
• Further Information: Note: Edited by Suzanne M. Apitsa, Eric Milliot.
• Editors: Apitsa, Suzanne M; Milliot, Eric
• Contents: Introductory Chapter: The Dynamic of Cultural Interactions in the Workplace in Africa: The Cultural Paradox Suzanne M. Apitsa Abstract: The dynamics of ethnic cultural interactions within companies in Africa is an insufficiently explored phenomenon in the academic literature. Understanding the internal logic of individuals in organizations in Africa makes it possible to take advantage of ethnic cultural paradoxes for managerial action. In a resolutely cross-cultural approach, the results of qualitative empirical study, conducted in three French multinationals based in Cameroon and Nigeria, suggest that ethnicity - an element of identity and structuring African societies - must be seen in the same way as culture as having positive effects, but also as a source of difficulty in managerial action. In addition, the results provide a timely framework for diversity management policy and tools for organizations in Africa. Chapter 1: The Paradoxes of Coopetitive Integration in Madagascar: An Approach Based on the Actor-Network Theory Gilde Ralandison, Éric Milliot and Victor Harison Abstract: For three years, the authors have observed two clusters of small and medium sized enterprises involved in the essential oil industry in Madagascar. This longitudinal observation of complementary clusters (one has a formal structure, while the other does not) helps identify a specific type of merger between competitors-partners: integrated coopetition. Using the Actor-Network Theory to understand the way in which such different actors can come to a stable consensus, the authors propose a model of paradox management inside and between the organizations which characterize this type of link-up. Chapter 2: The Factors Influencing the SME's Engagement in Export: The case of Algeria Mohamed Kadi Abstract: This chapter aims to analyze the main factors influencing the export engagement of Algerian SMEs by relying on data from a survey of 43 exporting companies. To achieve this, we favored an exploratory study based on a principal component analysis (PCA). We observed, through the results, that the level of commitment in export presents itself as a strategic choice which is built independently of the level of competition / saturation in the Algerian market. It also seems that access to foreign markets does not depend entirely on the innovation capacity of the SME but on its relational capacities and the level of development of its network. It also seems that access to foreign markets does not depend entirely on the innovation capacity of the SME but on its relational capacities and the level of development of its network. Chapter 3: Internationalization of Moroccan SMEs in sub-Saharan African Region: An analysis based on the Uppsala Model Oumaima Chamchati, Mohamed Nabil El Mabrouki and Caroline Minialai Abstract: The objective of this chapter is to examine the pertinence of the Uppsala model in analyzing the internationalization of Moroccan SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa. To achieve this, we first describe how Johanson and Vahlne explain the choice of host country and entry mode in their model. Then, based on a series of interviews with Moroccan SMEs operating in Sub-Saharan Africa and representatives of overseas support organizations, we analyze the similarities and differences between the proposals of the Uppsala model and our results. It shows that Uppsala's model must broaden its definition of distance and reconsider the importance of political distance. In the intra-African context, diplomatic relations between countries generate a "driving effect" among companies. The importance of this effect should be further studied when explaining the international behavior of SMEs. Similarly, host country characteristics must be further explained in the model, since they may differ from a geographical context to another. In the intra-African context, we realize the importance of political stability and security risks in the choice of host country and entry mode. Is this specific to the African context? Wouldn't it be useful to develop specific extensions of the Uppsala model for each homogeneous geographical context ? Chapter 4: Internationalization of West African Transport-Logistic SMEs Facing the Crushing Weight of the MNEs Messan Lihoussou, Suzanne M. Apitsa and Clément Godonou Abstract: This chapter examines the internationalization process of West African small and medium-sized (SMEs) transport-logistics companies operating in a highly competitive market largely dominated by major multinational logistics operators (MNCs). These local SMEs, considered as a driving force for economic dynamics and a tool for the sustainable creation of jobs, seem to be increasingly confronted with the overwhelming weight of MNCs. On the basis of a quantitative data survey of 42 freight forwarding SME managers, facing the integration an in-depth qualitative analysis of two local SMEs case; we highlight how local transport and logistic SMEs have enormous difficulties to internationalize facing the integration strategies of activities developed by MNCs in West Africa. Empirical data shows that the strategic and managerial vision is a key element of success in this very demanding entrepreneurial ecosystem. Good commercial relations with landlocked countries (the port major market) as well as the career path of the SME manager are also very decisive. Chapter 5: Highlighting Performance Indicators for Dry Ports in Landlocked Countries: The Case of Burkina Faso Rodrigue Balima and Gwenaëlle Oruezabala Abstract: In landlocked countries, the obstacles and constraints to the fluidity of traffic are important due to these nations' isolation and dependence on the logistical organization of their hinterlands. In Burkina Faso, logistics operators, confronted with the globalization of supply chains, therefore wonder about the performance indicators to adopt. Our empirical study, driven nearby thirty-two actors of the Ouagadougou dry port ecosystem, aimed to question about port performance criteria, such as deadlines, expenses, sustainability, digitalization, connectivity, security and governance. Out of them, our results allow us to identify four dimensions that have a greater weight for the actors of the port ecosystem. Chapter 6: The Role of Interpersonal Relations in Logistical Conflicts Resolution Between SMEs and Food Retailing Industry: The Case of Morocco Hicham Abbad, Sonia Mahjoub and Dominique Bonet Fernandez Abstract: Given the interdependent relationships between retailers and suppliers, conflict situations seem inevitable. Conflicts between the two actors of the distribution channel can affect various fields. In logistics relations, conflicts arise from retailer's dissatisfaction. This is partly linked to SMEs' poorly mastered logistics skills. Although the logistical criterion is considered in the selection process of suppliers, retailers in Morocco are still confronted with the logistical failure of a large proportion of their suppliers (missed delivery times, non-compliant deliveries, high out-of-stock rates in shelves, etc.). The resolution of logistical conflicts could be achieved in different ways, but above all it requires the involvement of the staff of both stakeholders, customers and suppliers. In our contribution, we try to show how interpersonal relationships between retailers' and SMEs' staff in the agri-food sector can help to manage this type of conflict. We have observed that interpersonal relations characterized by frequent contacts and quality exchanges make it possible to maintain exchanges and a stable climate of relations by ensuring the establishment of "acceptable" methods of resolving logistical conflicts. Interpersonal relations guide companies involved in logistical disputes towards the choice of cooperative resolution methods (accommodation and compromise). Chapter 7: How to Conciliate Successfully the Responsibilities of Business Manager and Political Elite? The Case of Cameroon Jean Biwolé Fouda Abstract: Several countries allow their politicians to simultaneously carry out commercial and political activities. In a context featured by weak institutions and a high corruption level, such a combination would ineluctably lead to conflicts of interest. What is the nature of these conflicts when someone is both business manager and political elite? How to curb them effectively? We transpose corporate governance tools to politics and provide incentive regulation and corporate rating as solution. Chapter 8: Managers' Social Responsibility Values and Representation through a Cognitive Approach: The Case of the Downstream Oil Sector in Madagascar Narova Miasa Abstract: Using an exploratory qualitative survey methodology, this chapter is based on a single case of the downstream oil sector in Madagascar. The objective is to accurately reconstruct each representation of CSR per unit of analysis with the particularity of comparing responses from the same persons over two periods of eight years apart. By using the perceptions and representations constructed by the subjects on what CSR is, it is then necessary to extract the specificities (values) and convergences and then to report on how the responsibilities are prioritized according to the manager. The purpose of this study is therefore not to evaluate or judge the performance of the participating organisations, nor to provide statistical analysis, but to try to draw up accurate images of what CSR represents in managers' thinking and compare them. Chapter 9: State of the Art on the Environmental Management in the Cameroonian Public Administration: The Case Study of the Desk Management Activities in the Ministerial Central Services Munoz Kenmeni, Hugues Kouakap, Mesmin Tchindjang, Marie Ngolo Bela and José Nkenkeu Abstract: Environmental Management (EM) is perceived as a framework or a set of practices and processes that enable any organization being private or public to reduce it environmenta
• Publisher Details: Basingstoke : Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication Date: 2021
• Extent: 1 online resource, illustrations (black and white)
• Subjects: 382.096; Investments, Foreign -- Africa; Africa -- Commerce; Africa -- Economic policy
• Languages: English
• ISBNs: 9783030507398
• Related ISBNs: 9783030507381
• Notes: Note: Description based on CIP data; resource not viewed.
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