Factors Forming Entrepeneurial Orientation and Business Networks of Small Agribusinesses in Hilly and Mountainous Areas from Life History Perspective

Abstract

This study clarified the entrepreneurial orientation of key players of the small agribusiness and their business network formation from the perspective of their life histories in the hilly and mountainous areas. Using the data obtained through interviews with entrepreneurs of Corporation K, located in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, we investigated the small business formation. As results of the case study qualitative analysis, we found three main findings. First, Entrepreneur (president of the company) have a cautious attitude toward the businesses. Second, Entrepreneurs’ life histories are relevant to the formation of their entrepreneurial awareness and current business development. Third, the business network has been formed on product development based on the broad-based trust relationships with businesses inside and outside the city. This is related to upstream and downstream brand formation. Product development using off-grade agricultural products are also one of the factors to continue to operate in the mountainous areas. It can be pointed out that these business characteristics have a significant impact on product development and good trust relationships with local businesses, which is a factor in the continuation of small agribusiness in hilly and mountainous area.