Corruption and entrepreneurship (Zimbabwe, India)

The objective of this dissertation is to investigate the functioning of successful firms in societies where corruption is widespread. In particular, how can a firm operate successfully in such an environment without recourse to corrupt behaviors? Two successful firms in Zimbabwe and India that have acquired reputations for non-corrupt behaviors in these corrupt environments, were the subject of in-depth case studies. Data were gathered from (a) personal interviews with the founders and managers, employees, former employees, suppliers, customers, the press, governmental officials, investors, and other informed external sources; (b) company documents, such as annual reports and internal communications; (c) and press reports. The data were collected to answer three broad questions: (1) why did the entrepreneurs follow non-corrupt behaviors in environments where corruption was widespread; (2) why did the stakeholders make resource commitments to these ventures and what role, if any, did the non-corrupt behaviors play in these resource commitments; and (3) what role did context play in the resource commitments of the stakeholders? This research sought to understand if there were common elements in the non-corrupt behaviors, resource commitments, and contexts of these firms. The objective was to understand the viability and implications of resisting corrupt practices in corrupt environments.