Call to address weaknesses in enterprise culture

The general assumption among practitioners and policy makers is that Sri Lanka lacks a dynamic enterprise culture that would enable more people to start and expand micro and small enterprises especially outside the current growth hub - the western province.

The report enhancing enterprise culture in Sri Lanka the results of an ILO Enter- Growth projects cultural assessment in four districts says that negative attitudes towards business were often voiced by stakeholders as a constraint to enterprise development during the project planning phase.

This was proved by employment studies that show a marked preference for public sector white collar employment.

Youth whose education is oriented towards theoretical knowledge are less inclined to value practical knowledge, or take pragmatic decisions about their future.

Moreover there are considerable cultural and social barriers preventing women from starting or expanding businesses that are beyond mere survival level income generation activities specially related to issues around mobility and reputation.

According to the report lowering the present cultural and social costs of engaging in business and influencing the public school and vocational school curricula, working with BDS providers and NGOs facilitating livelihood development interventions are vital to promote and develop micro and small enterprises.

The main challenge to engaging in business is to address weaknesses in enterprise culture by linking changes with existing positive attitudes and values.

Like in many other cultures all ethnic groups in Sri Lanka except for Muslims value security and stability in pursuing their livelihoods.

Most entrepreneurs do not divert but remain in their social environment around their home villages for safety and security.

Therefore the social and cultural transactions costs of leaving the safety and security need to be lowered to enhance the enterprise culture.

The main cultural barrier to business as a livelihood are comfort and security.

The main cultural strengths grounded in family and community are perceived to have capital and special knowledge to do business as well as good customer relations, positively considered to be self confident, independent, hard working, persevering and trustworthy individuals.