Strategic Actions: Evidence from Micro and Small Enterprises in Nepal

Abstract

Prior research has paid little attention to the field of strategic actions of micro and small enterprises (MSEs). Hence, this paper explores the experiences of MSEs on their strategic actions from the perspective of social practice. A qualitative inquiry was conducted by interviewing MSEs for gaining their insights, experiences, and understandings of the strategic actions. The result of the study revealed common practices of MSEs(e.g., moving for opportunities, the culture of using plan, governing resources, innovation leading, organizational culture, employee motivation, capacity building, and communications and ICT use). The MSEs perform their strategic actions in different ways mediated by the contexts where they live in. The entrepreneurs’ understanding and activities of strategic actions are influenced by the local cultural needs and globalization as well. The practice of ‘combination’ of local and imported technologies, methods, and materials is a kind of compulsion, fashion, or a strong motivation headed to globalization and a way of their existence. Likewise, the MSEs are in the situation of multitasking and affecting the implementation of their strategic actions. The insights produced by this research have implications for the planning of MSE development identifying the status and emergences in the course of strategic actions.