Resumen de Investigating Indigenous People Perspectives on Entrepreneurial Leadership and Practices in the Promotion of Sustainable Economic Development

Ian Bunyag Arcega

• Purpose:  The focus of this research is to investigate the Indigenous People (IP), the Ati (Aeta) in Dumarao, Capiz, Philippines as to their entrepreneurial leadership and business activities that contribute to their economic growth and social progress.

    Theoretical framework: Mishra and Zachary's (2014) entrepreneurial theory underpins this study. Entrepreneurs create and take value in unpredictable environment. They also create value by pursuing their goals (an aspiration for entrepreneurial reward). Entrepreneurship requires the entrepreneur. Consequently, entrepreneurial resources and goals are closely linked. The entrepreneurial process involves identifying an external opportunity, matching entrepreneurial resources with the opportunity to effectuate an entrepreneurial competence, acquiring additional resources (if needed), creating sustained value, and appropriating the reward for their entrepreneurial endeavor. Entrepreneurship is based on expansion, wealth creation, and the pursuit of possibilities regardless of resources.

    Design/Methodology/Approach: This study is descriptive and makes use of the qualitative research methodology to collect the necessary data on the entrepreneurial leadership and practices of Indigenous People to contribute to economic growth and social progress.

    Findings:  The study's results indicate that indigenous or Ati business leaders are few. Nevertheless, Dumarao's indigenous population has not built any sustainable commercial enterprises.

    Research, practical & social implications:  Indigenous People (IP) confront a range of challenges when it comes to entrepreneurship, many of which are tied to their traditions and culture. This was revealed after answering the study questions on the entrepreneurial leadership and practices of Ati towards development in the Philippines. Hence, the results will be a benchmark in assessing the programs and projects and even policies that will develop the life of Ati community holistically.

    Originality/Value:  The value of the study is first to investigate the entrepreneurial leadership and business practices of Ati community in Dumarao, Capiz, Philippines.