Indonesia's Small Entrepreneurs: Trading on the Margins
The analysis begins with an examination of the internal dynamics of
the enterprises studies, concentrating on their history, production
processes and labour flexibility. It then moves to explore
inter-firm dynamics, focusing upon the networks, trust and clusters
that have evolved amongst the enterprises, and also with other
local economic actors. These insights give us a clear understanding
of the constraints that small scale entrepreneurs face in trying to
attain their own versions of success'. Whilst the recent
Southeast Asian economic crisis has been heralded by certain
commentators as a new era for small enterprises in the region, the
book concludes that local realities for the small enterprises in
Makassar mean that whilst for some it has been a time of shifting
fortunes, other have continued trading on the margins.
"Turner's book is a valuable contribution to the literature. In taking the study of small entrepreneurs to a corner of the world where work is distinctly limited she has broadened the debate. In focusing on the social and cultural facets of business, and not just the business of business, she has also helped deepen the debate. The wealth of local color, moreover, gives this account a human touch absent from many other studies." -Journal of Asian Business
