Many rural areas around the world face economic challenges, partly due to their peripheral locations and also because of their declining economies. With the rise of globalisation and urbanisation, many people who lived in rural areas before, have decided to move to urban centres, either for the better infrastructure that cities have, or in search of the employment opportunities that industries in cities offer. Furthermore, this means that many rural regions and towns are facing dislocation and decline (Stolte 2000:111).
One response to the decline of traditional rural industries, such as agriculture and mining, has been the emergence of tourism orientated entrepreneurial activities (Stolte 2000:111). Indeed, many people indigenous to rural areas see tourism as a chance for them to stay and live in their region or town, without reducing their standard of living.
The motives of the entrepreneurs in rural areas are various; meaning that not all of them become entrepreneurs because they are concerned about unemployment. Moreover many entrepreneurs see rural tourism as an opportunity to live a certain lifestyle, and many even move from urban areas to rural areas seeking the opportunity to develop ideas and fulfil their dreams.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Defining an Entrepreneur
- The characteristics and the environmental context of entrepreneurship
- Examples of rural entrepreneurs in New Zealand
- Prosperity through tourism entrepreneurship in rural New Zealand
- Whalewatching in Kaikoura
- Roadside spectacle in Tirau
- Issues related to the entrepreneur in the rural environment
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to examine the role of entrepreneurs in rural development and investigate the impact of entrepreneurs on the rural environment, ultimately defining their role in rural development. This is achieved through New Zealand case studies and relevant entrepreneurial theory.
- The definition and characteristics of an entrepreneur.
- The relationship between entrepreneurs and their environment.
- The role of entrepreneurship in rural tourism development.
- Examples of successful tourism entrepreneurship in rural New Zealand.
- Challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context of economic challenges faced by many rural areas globally, particularly due to globalization and urbanization leading to population shifts towards urban centers. It highlights the decline of traditional rural industries and the rise of tourism-oriented entrepreneurial activities as a response. The chapter emphasizes the diverse motivations of rural entrepreneurs, extending beyond mere unemployment concerns to include lifestyle choices and the pursuit of fulfilling dreams.
Defining an Entrepreneur: This chapter delves into the definition of "entrepreneur," emphasizing innovation as a key element. It references Pettitt (2001) and Frederick and Carswell (2001), highlighting the creation of something new or the recognition of potential in changing relationships as core aspects of entrepreneurship. The inherent risk in entrepreneurial ventures is also discussed, tracing the etymology of the word "entrepreneur" and connecting it to risk-taking between buyer and seller. The chapter concludes by providing a modern definition from the GEM (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor), emphasizing the creation of new businesses, either through opportunity recognition or necessity.
The characteristics and the environmental context of entrepreneurship: This chapter explores the characteristics of entrepreneurs and their interaction with the surrounding environment. It links innovativity with entrepreneurship and highlights the entrepreneur's ability to produce solutions in new situations. The chapter uses Table 1 to list key elements of entrepreneurship, such as change initiation, creative resourcing, and risk management. It then discusses how entrepreneurs, characterized by a drive for success, contribute to wealth creation and employment. The chapter also explores how the surrounding environment influences entrepreneurs, including societal attitudes and varying tolerances for entrepreneurial failure, providing contrasting examples from Scotland and the USA.
Examples of rural entrepreneurs in New Zealand: This chapter uses New Zealand as a case study to illustrate the relationship between changing economies and the reconstruction of rural areas through entrepreneurship. It highlights the high rate of entrepreneurial activity in New Zealand and provides examples of tourism entrepreneurs who have transformed specific regions, such as A.J. Hackett and Henry van Asch in Queenstown. The chapter introduces the concepts of how entrepreneurship in tourism can revitalize rural areas by creating new economic opportunities and overcoming the challenges caused by the decline of traditional industries. It sets the stage for the following detailed case studies of Kaikoura and Tirau.
Keywords
Rural development, entrepreneurship, tourism, innovation, New Zealand, rural economy, case studies, risk, environmental context, wealth creation, GEM (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor).
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Entrepreneurship in Rural New Zealand
What is the overall focus of this text?
This text examines the role of entrepreneurs in rural development, specifically focusing on the impact of entrepreneurship, particularly in the tourism sector, on the rural environment in New Zealand. It uses case studies and relevant entrepreneurial theory to define the role of entrepreneurs in driving rural development.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The text covers an introduction to the challenges of rural economies, a definition of entrepreneurship, the characteristics of entrepreneurs and their environment, case studies of successful rural entrepreneurs in New Zealand (with a focus on tourism), and the challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs. It concludes with a summary of the key findings.
What are the main objectives and key themes?
The primary objective is to analyze the role of entrepreneurs in rural development and investigate their impact on the rural environment. Key themes include defining and characterizing entrepreneurs, exploring the relationship between entrepreneurs and their environment, examining the role of entrepreneurship in rural tourism, showcasing successful New Zealand examples, and identifying the challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs.
What are the key characteristics of entrepreneurs highlighted in the text?
The text emphasizes innovation, risk-taking, a drive for success, and the ability to create solutions in new situations as key characteristics of entrepreneurs. It also highlights the importance of recognizing opportunities and managing resources creatively.
What case studies are presented?
The text uses New Zealand as a primary case study, focusing on successful tourism entrepreneurship. Specific examples include A.J. Hackett and Henry van Asch in Queenstown, whalewatching in Kaikoura, and roadside attractions in Tirau. These examples illustrate how entrepreneurship can revitalize rural areas by creating new economic opportunities.
What are the key challenges faced by rural entrepreneurs?
While not explicitly listed as a separate section, the text implicitly addresses challenges through its case studies and discussion of the environmental context. These challenges likely include factors such as access to resources, competition, economic uncertainty, and the need to adapt to changing market demands.
What theories or models are referenced?
The text references the work of Pettitt (2001) and Frederick and Carswell (2001) in defining entrepreneurship and uses the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) to provide a contemporary definition. It also implicitly draws on theories related to economic development, rural sociology, and tourism management.
What are the key words associated with this text?
Key words include rural development, entrepreneurship, tourism, innovation, New Zealand, rural economy, case studies, risk, environmental context, wealth creation, and GEM (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor).
What is the overall conclusion of the text?
The text ultimately concludes that entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in the economic revitalization of rural areas, particularly through tourism-related ventures. The New Zealand case studies highlight the potential for entrepreneurs to overcome challenges associated with declining traditional industries and create new economic opportunities and employment.
- Quote paper
- Achim Munz (Author), 2002, The Role of the Entrepreneurs in Rural Development - New Zealand -Tourism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/6676
