Responsible Society

[optimalhealth]

There are more "micro-entrepreneurs" in Third World Countries or as I prefer to say Developing Countries than here in the UK.

Do you think that this is because they have to provide for their families (not handouts)therefore, are a more responsible society?

 

[LicensedToTrade]

That could be an element. More likely the case is that it is easier to set-up what you are calling a 'micro-enterprise' in a developing country where there is less rules, regulations and procedure to contend with.

In the UK for example if I wanted to set up a stall selling hotdogs and burgers that I had prepared I would need insurance, food hygiene course, a rented space in a high st etc etc etc etc the list goes on.

In some of these countries I need a bunch of meat and rolls, an old BBQ set and a quick pair of legs when the local jhundi spot me selling in the street. No taxation, no insurance.

 

[Cornish Steve]

Necessity is the mother of invention.

 

[KidsBeeHappy]

The answer is in the question. Developing world means that there are still gaps that need filling, services that need providing, products that could be sold. The true comparison would be if you compared the number of micro entrepreneurs in the developing world today, with those in the UK at a similar stage of development, (which is I know not quite the same, because not everyone in victorian england had a mobile phone )

 

[ultro]

Ok - if you want to open a company somewhere in the 3rd world - most of the time you just do it & sort out all the legal stuff later on. I opened a company in the Philippines and I was pretty shocked by how easy it all is, and I did everything by the book. All the rules were simple & at no stage did I have any trouble from anyone in authority.

But - I got the impression that most people just wanted a job, and don't want to run their own company. But - they get forced into it as they can't find work. Also - don't forget in most of these places there is no unemployment 'benefit' - you don't work and you will run out of food if you can't grow it. It's quite a bit push to start a company & you don't lose any 'benefits'.

James

 

[Dawg]

The time taken to start a business is usually shorter in developed countries than in others. (table).

However this doesn't apply exactly to micro businesses, who have other problems to deal with, the raising of micro capital being one of the main ones. This will take a long time and great effort, which is why supporting micro capital organizations like KIVA is so worthwhile. This is all about people taking charge of their lives because they have no other option, and helping them is a great privilege.

Another thing we don't think about here is that instead of rules and regulations, developing countries have informal regulation, called bribery and corruption. This too is time consuming and expensive.

But yes, OP, people in developing countries do take responsibility and do work amazingly hard.

*Soapbox* Please support KIVA. Here is a plumber a group I am a small part of is helping. B1tching name huh? He is in Togo and has repaid 90% so far.

 

[optimalhealth]

That could be an element. More likely the case is that it is easier to set-up what you are calling a 'micro-enterprise' in a developing country where there is less rules, regulations and procedure to contend with.

In the UK for example if I wanted to set up a stall selling hotdogs and burgers that I had prepared I would need insurance, food hygiene course, a rented space in a high st etc etc etc etc the list goes on.

In some of these countries I need a bunch of meat and rolls, an old BBQ set and a quick pair of legs when the local jhundi spot me selling in the street. No taxation, no insurance.

I definately meant "micro entrepreneurs"..........as per the individuals in Cuba, Brazil & Thailand that tried to sell me a radio...........made from a coke can!?? : )

 

[Alba Transcription]

My first thought when I saw this thread was KIVA.

I am a member of a small group which supports KIVA entrepreneurs. As Dawg says, it is so worthwhile and a privilege.

Thanks, Dawg!

The time taken to start a business is usually shorter in developed countries than in others. (table).

However this doesn't apply exactly to micro businesses, who have other problems to deal with, the raising of micro capital being one of the main ones. This will take a long time and great effort, which is why supporting micro capital organizations like KIVA is so worthwhile. This is all about people taking charge of their lives because they have no other option, and helping them is a great privilege.

Another thing we don't think about here is that instead of rules and regulations, developing countries have informal regulation, called bribery and corruption. This too is time consuming and expensive.

But yes, OP, people in developing countries do take responsibility and do work amazingly hard.

*Soapbox* Please support KIVA. Here is a plumber a group I am a small part of is helping. B1tching name huh? He is in Togo and has repaid 90% so far.