It Takes Two to Tango: Entrepreneurship and Creativity in Troubled Times — Vietnam 2012

Abstract

This study focuses on perceived values of entrepreneurship and creativity within a turbulent environment. The initial hypothesis is that a typical entrepreneurial process carries with its “creativity-enabling elements”. In a normal situation, businesses focus on optimizing their resources for commercial gains, thus perceptions about values of entrepreneurial creativity are usually vague. However, in difficult times, the difference between survival and failure may be creativity. This paper examines many previous findings on entrepreneurship and creativity, and suggests a highly possible “organic growth” of creativity in an entrepreneurial environment and reinforcing value of entrepreneurship when creativity power is present.

In other words, the authors see each idea reinforcing the other. The authors survey Vietnamese firms during the chaotic year of 2012 to learn about the entrepreneurship‐creativity nexus”, looking at influential cultural values, namely risk tolerance, relationship, and dependence on resources — to assess how they influence entrepreneurial decisions. A set of 137 qualified responses was obtained for this statistical examination. A categorical data analysis is performed to confirm that creativity and entrepreneurial spirit could hardly be separate, for both entrepreneurial and accomplished companies. Although the most important factor during implementation is still “relationship”, business people are increasingly aware of the need of creativity/innovation in troubled times.

Keywords: entrepreneurship, creativity, transition economy, business relationship, Vietnam

JEL Classification: P27, O31, O12, M21