Understanding the experiences of small business developments : a case study of local business owners in Choiseul Province, Solomon Islands : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management at Massey University (Manawatu campus), Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

Using data drawn from interviews with ten Solomon Island business owners, this study explores the influences and practices that shape the development and operation of small businesses in this context. The study explains these experiences and influences using the three dimension of social capital identified by (Nahapiet & Ghoshal, 1998). The study highlights the influence of family and community in both making business possible and constraining their development. The study discusses in particular the influence of the wantok system and practice of kaon on the success of small businesses in this region.