Elie CHRYSOSTOME is Professor of International Business at Ivey Business School in Canada. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Comparative International Management (JCIM) and Chair of the International Conference of CEDIMES Institute USA. He has previously served as the Chair of the International Business Division of the ASAC and led Ivey Case Teaching Workshops in West Africa (Benin, Senegal, Ivory Coast). Elie is a Research Fellow at SOAS at the University of London (UK). He has more than 25 years of teaching experience at different schools in North America including Laval University, University of Moncton in Canada and the State University of New York at Plattsburgh in the USA. He was tenured at both the University of Moncton and the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. He was a visiting scholar at HEC-Montreal (Canada) and an invited scholar at leading business schools including the Thunderbird School of Global Management (USA), Haute Ecole de Gestion de Fribourg (Switzerland), Laval University (Canada), Universite Paris- Dauphine (France), Wroclaw University of Economics (Poland), University of Johannesburg (South Africa) and Alfred Nobel University (Ukraine). In addition, he has served as an external examiner on the PhD Committees of 14 graduate students from different schools in North America, Australia and Africa.
His research interests are international entrepreneurship, especially immigrant and transnational diaspora entrepreneurship, small business internationalization, Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Emerging Markets, International Joint-Ventures (IJV) and capacity building in Developing Countries. He is author and co-author of 42 publications (refereed articles and book chapters) and 3 books. The most recent book he edited is entitled: Capacity Building in Emerging and Developing Countries: From a Mindset Transformation to Entrepreneurship and Diaspora Involvement (2019). He also co-edited: Building Businesses in Emerging and Developing Countries: Challenges and Opportunities (2014). He holds a PhD in Administration Sciences with a specialization in International Strategic Management from Laval University
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Fieve, J. K. D.; Chrysostome, E. C., 2022, "Credit Cooperative Lending Loans as Challenges and Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurship in Africa: Evidence from Ghana", Journal of African Business
Abstract: This study examined how credit cooperative loans affect women entrepreneurship. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 women entrepreneurs from three Cooperative Lending groups in the Ashaiman Municipality of Ghana. We found that credit cooperative lending groups support and promote women entrepreneurship by providing their members with access to long-term interest-free credit support to start or expand their businesses. We also found that by providing their members with training and capacity-building opportunities to improve their skills for sustainable businesses and their income to pay back their loans, credit cooperative lending groups significantly contribute to women entrepreneurship. The contribution of this study is that it sheds light on how credit cooperative loans help to alleviate the difficulties that women entrepreneurs of the informal sector in Developing Countries face to have access to financial resources.
Link(s) to publication:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15228916.2022.2078937
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15228916.2022.2078937
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Ali, H.; Gueyie, J-P.; Chrysostome, E. C., 2022, "Gender, Credit Risk and Performance in Sub-Saharan African Microfinance Institutions", Journal of African Business
Abstract: The involvement of women in business in developing countries has become a subject of great interest for many researchers. In particular, female involvement in microfinance institutions has received special attention from governments and development institutions given its potential impact on poverty alleviation. This paper assesses the effect of gender on the credit risk and performance of microfinance institutions in sub-Saharan Africa. A sample of 43 microfinance institutions from 19 sub-Saharan African countries was selected and data was collected over the period 2010–2016. Seemingly unrelated regressions (SURs) were performed to examine how gender affects the credit risk and performance of microfinance institutions. The findings do not show any significant impact of female loan officers on credit risk, financial performance or social performance. Thus, all else being equal in the countries analyzed, female loan officers do not impact the credit risk and performance differently compared to male credit officers. The contribution of this paper is to shed light on the debate on the impact of gender on the performance of microfinance institutions.
Link(s) to publication:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15228916.2022.2079275
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Dobrzanski, P.; Bobowski, S.; Chrysostome, E. C.; Velinov, E.; Strouhal, J., 2021, "Toward Innovation-Driven Competitiveness Across African Countries: An Analysis of Efficiency of R&D Expenditures", Journal of Competitiveness, March 13(1): 5 - 22.
Abstract: The main goal of this paper is to determine whether R&D funds are used efficiently in African countries. The innovativeness of a country’s economy is nowadays one of the key factors stimulating the economic growth and competitiveness. Becoming more innovative is important in particular for developing countries, whose governments are developing national innovation strategies (NIS) and assuming a steady increase in research and development spending. Efficient innovation policies are creating conditions for enterprise development and the increase of competitiveness of the country. A calculation of R&D spending efficiency for selected African economies for the years 2009-2017 was carried out using Data Envelopment Analysis methodology, which allows the evaluation of input-output efficiency. Public and private spending on R&D as % of GDP was the selected inputs indicator. The model examines three output indicators: the number of patent applications (per million inhabitants), high-technology exports (% of export), and number of technical and scientific journal articles (per million inhabitants). Among the analyzed countries, those on the efficiency frontier regarding the use of CRS methodology are South Africa and Tunisia. According to VRS methodology, the most efficient nations are South Africa, Tunisia, and Madagascar. The performed analysis has not confirmed our hypothesis regarding the non-proportional relation between higher R&D spending and innovation outputs. Considering limited innovation capacities across African countries, it appears to be reasonable to increase R&D expenditures gradually to achieve better results on the path toward innovationdriven growth and development.
Link(s) to publication:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350528343_Toward_Innovation-Driven_Competitiveness_Across_African_Countries_An_Analysis_of_Efficiency_of_RD_Expenditures
http://dx.doi.org/10.7441/joc.2021.01.01
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Mfokeu, A. M.; Chrysostome, E. C., 2021, "Performance characteristics of very small enterprises: funhouse mirror or obviousness?", Transnational Corporations Review, February 14(1): 94 - 111.
Abstract: Very Small Enterprises (VSE) represent the great majority of businesses in Africa and provide nearly 80% of jobs. Therefore, their performance has become a subject of a great importance for their owners and/or managers, the government and the researchers. The purpose of this study is to contribute to a better understanding of the performance characteristics of Very Small Enterprises (VSE). A survey was conducted with a sample of 166 Very Small Enterprises from different sectors of economic activity in several cities of Cameroon. The structural equation model is used to analyse the data collected. The main results clearly show that the quality of the personnel and the commercial dynamism represent the most important performance characteristics of Very Small Enterprises (VSE).
Link(s) to publication:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19186444.2020.1852820
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19186444.2020.1852820
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Abodohoui, A.; Su, Z.; Bocco, B. S.; Chrysostome, E. C., 2020, "African and Chinese Managerial Practices: A Cross-Cultural Comparison", International Management, October 24(3): 1 - 15.
Abstract: In recent years, China has become Africa’s most important economic partner. Chinese companies of all sizes and sectors bring investments, managerial know-how and entrepreneurial energy to all 54 African countries. China also plays host to the largest population of African migrants seeking business opportunities as well as African students in search of renowned universities. It is therefore useful to compare management practices between China and Africa. Through an analytical review, our study highlights the similarities and differences of management philosophies, managerial styles, networking, and entrepreneurship. This study helps strengthen knowledge of Chinese and African management styles and suggests directions for future studies that could ensure the success of the collaboration between China and Africa.Link(s) to publication:
http://dx.doi.org/10.7202/1072632ar
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Nkongolo-Bakenda, J-M.; Chrysostome, E. C., 2020, "Exploring the organizing and strategic factors of diasporic transnational entrepreneurs in Canada: An empirical study", Journal of International Entrepreneurship, September 18(3): 336 - 372.
Abstract: This paper examines opportunity identification and strategies as well as organizational practices used by diasporic transnational entrepreneurs residing in Canada. The findings indicate that the ability to identify products/services in one context and adapt them to fulfill needs in another context and a choice of appropriate competitive strategies are paramount to success. However, differentiation strategies seem preferred more often than low cost leadership strategies. Learning and creativity are the best means to identify and take advantage of opportunities. Although family and friends play an important role in the identification of opportunities, their importance decreases once a firm is created.
Link(s) to publication:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10843-020-00268-2
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10843-020-00268-2
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Nkongolo Bakenda, J. M.; Chrysostome, E. C., 2020, "Dual environments of home and host countries of diasporic transnational entrepreneurs: an empirical study in the Canadian context", International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, January 39(4): 455 - 455.
Abstract: This study determines the relative importance of business environment factors perceived by the Canadian diasporic transnational entrepreneurs (DTEs) as affecting the success of their foreign activities in the host and home countries. Findings indicate that in the home countries, government regulations and lack of human and financial resources were the most determinant impeding factors while welcoming attitude of local rulers was the most determinant facilitating factor. In the host country, tolerance, openness, recognition and validation of credentials from the home country, and government services for immigrants were found as the most significant factors that facilitate the start-up and development of diasporic transnational entrepreneurship. The lack of these factors impedes the start-up and development of diasporic transnational activities. Overall, depending on the indicator used for internationalisation, up to 30% of the variations in the international activities of DTEs are attributed to the dual business environments.
Link(s) to publication:
https://ideas.repec.org/a/ids/ijesbu/v39y2020i4p455-500.html
http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/ijesb.2020.10028260
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Ado, A.; Chrysostome, E. C., 2019, "Capacity Building in Developing and Emerging Countries: From Mindset Transformation to Promoting Entrepreneurship and Diaspora Involvement.", Springer Publishing, July 24(3)
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Mohiuddin, M.; Mazumder, M. N. H.; Chrysostome, E. C.; Su, Z., 2017, "Relocating high-tech industries to emerging markets: case of pharmaceutical industry outsourcing to India", Transnational Corporations Review, July 9(3): 201 - 217.
Abstract: Offshore outsourcing has evolved from cost-only strategy to growth strategy in knowledge-intensive industries (KIIs) such as the pharmaceutical industry. This paper explores the case of offshore outsourcing of pharmaceutical manufacturing to India. An extensive literature review shows that firms do engage in offshore outsourcing to India have access to talents, infrastructure as well as markets. Despite the bright future of offshore outsourcing of pharmaceutical industries to India, inadequate protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs), scarcity of highly skilled manpower and institutional shortcomings can pose serious challenges. The study finds that institutional policy framework for promotion of collaborative research and development (R&D) as well as investment in infrastructures and human capital development can keep the momentum in this sector of high-tech industry.
Link(s) to publication:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19186444.2017.1370808?journalCode=rncr20
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19186444.2017.1370808
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Ado, A.; Chrysostome, E. C.; Su, Z., 2016, "Examining Adaptation Strategies of Sub-Saharan African Immigrant Entrepreneurs in China: The Case of Guangdong", Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, December 21(04): 1650027 - 1650027.
Abstract: This paper examines how sub-Saharan Africans do business in China, particularly in the province of Guangdong. Through a qualitative approach, the paper analyzes data obtained from twenty interviews with sub-Saharan Africans. It’s a descriptive study that explores the strategies, tactics and attitudes adopted by those sub-Saharan Africans to cope with a particularly difficult Chinese business environment. Using the concepts of foreignness and adaptation, the study identified four categories of immigrant entrepreneurs: the assimilators, the conservatives, the adventurers and the cautious. Concomitantly, this research identified factors and skills that contributed significantly to immigrants’ success in China. The paper also underlines challenges sub-Saharan Africans still face in China and the unconventional tactics they use. The study represents an insightful exploration of an increasingly important subject but still under-studied. It calls for a thorough research toward the understanding of African businesses in China.
Link(s) to publication:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/s1084946716500278
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Krichevskiy, D.; Qirjo, D.; Chrysostome, E. C., 2016, "Does the level of economic development and the market size of immigrants' country of birth matter for their engagement in entrepreneurial activities in the USA? Evidence from the Princeton's New Immigrant Surveys of 2003 and 2007", Journal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship, May 28(3): 223 - 249.
Abstract: In order to examine the impacts of economic status and market size of immigrants’ country of birth on their propensity to become entrepreneurs in the USA, we estimate a gravity model that involves immigrants’ decisions to pursue entrepreneurship in the USA by employing data from the Princeton's New Immigrant Surveys of 2003 and 2007. Our results show that immigrants coming from economically advanced countries are more likely to be engaged in entrepreneurial activities in the USA, not only at the beginning stage of their arrival, but also after spending some time (4 years) in the USA However, we find that the market size of immigrants’ country of origin, as measured by population size does not have any significant effect on their decision to be self-employed in the USA. In addition, we report a positive relationship between immigrants’ commitment to work and their likelihood of pursuing entrepreneurship in the USA. Furthermore, we find a U-shaped relationship between immigrants’ working experience as self-employed, or/and wage worker in the USA and their likelihood to open their own business in the USA over time.
Afin d'examiner l'impact du statut économique et de la taille de marché des pays d'origine des immigrés sur la prédisposition de ces derniers à devenir des entrepreneurs aux USA, nous procédons à l'estimation d'un modèle de gravité qui prend en compte les décisions des immigrés de se lancer dans l'entreprenariat aux USA, en exploitant les données des enquêtes sur les nouveaux immigrés, conduites par l'Université de Princeton en 2003 et 2007. Nos résultats montrent que les immigrés provenant de pays économiquement avancés sont plus susceptibles de s'engager dans l'entreprenariat aux USA, aussi bien dans la période qui suit leur arrivée qu'après un certain temps (4 ans) dans le pays. Cependant, ils révèlent aussi que la taille du marché des pays d'origine, évaluée par la taille de la population, n'a pas un impact significatif sur leur décision de devenir des auto-employés aux USA. En outre, nous avons découvert un rapport positif entre l'engagement des immigrés à travailler et leur prédisposition à se lancer dans l'entreprenariat aux USA. Enfin, nous faisons état d'une relation en U entre l'expérience de travail des immigrés auto-employés ou/et salariés aux USA, et leur prédisposition à débuter leur propre affaire aux USA.
Link(s) to publication:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08276331.2016.1166096
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08276331.2016.1166096
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Nkongolo-Bakenda, J-M.; Chrysostome, E. C., 2013, "Engaging diasporas as international entrepreneurs in developing countries: In search of determinants", Journal of International Entrepreneurship, March 11(1): 30 - 64.
Abstract: Diaspora has been increasingly recognized by practitioners and scholars as an important factor of development in developing economies. Through their remittances and expertise, diaspora members have become an important source of foreign direct investment and managerial capabilities. Although the literature is glutted with examples of the impact of diaspora in fostering international entrepreneurship and reducing poverty, a theoretical foundation and framework is needed to explain this impact. This study explores a theoretical foundation of the diaspora entrepreneurship. A framework identifying the determinants of the diaspora’s international new venture creation in the country of origin is developed. The study suggests that diaspora international entrepreneurship depends on the level of altruistic motivation, need of social recognition, entrepreneurial opportunities, friendliness and receptivity of the home country, as well as integration of and support to immigrants in the host countries. Propositions for diaspora entrepreneurship are developed.
Link(s) to publication:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10843-012-0098-1
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10843-012-0098-1
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Chrysostome, E.; Lupton, N., 2011, "Characteristics and Performance of Japanese Foreign Direct Investment in Africa", International Journal of Economic Policy in Emerging Economies, January 4(1): 54 - 77.
Abstract: This article examines the characteristics and performance of Japanese foreign direct investment (JFDI) in Africa. For that purpose a large sample of 1062 Japanese subsidiaries doing business in Africa was selected from the Tokyo Keizai database and analyzed. Our findings reveal several important observations as follow: 1) efficiency and market seeking was the common purposes for investment by Japanese firms in Africa 2) furthermore strategic asset seeking was the common purpose for investment by Japanese firms in low income region and lower middle income regions while resource seeking was relatively the common purpose for investment in upper middle income region 3) the main industry for investment by Japanese firms in the low income region was low technology manufacturing while the main industry for investment in the lower and upper income regions was high technology manufacturing 4) the Japanese subsidiaries are young and small in lower middle income region, young and large in upper middle income region and old, small and large in low income region their performance is good with a very high exit rate in low income region while the performance is high with high exit rate in low middle income region and moderate with a low exit rate in upper middle income region.
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Chrysostome, E. C., 2010, "The success factors of necessity immigrant entrepreneurs: In search of a model", Thunderbird International Business Review, March 52(2): 137 - 152.
Abstract: This study focuses on the success factors of necessity immigrant entrepreneurs. It proposes a profile for the necessity immigrant entrepreneur as well as for the opportunity immigrant entrepreneur. It clarifies the concept of success for immigrant entrepreneurs and suggests that the concept of survival is more appropriate for the necessity immigrant entrepreneurs and should mainly be measured by the age of the business, while the traditional concept of success is relevant for the opportunity immigrant entrepreneur and can be measured by the usual quantitative performance indicators. Based on different existing theories, the study suggests a theoretical explanation of the survival factors of necessity immigrant entrepreneurs. This contributed to propose a theoretical model of survival factors of necessity immigrant entrepreneurs. This model, which represents the major contribution of this study, suggests five categories of survival factors: ethno-cultural factors, financial factors, managerial factors, psycho-behavioral factors, and institutional factors. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Link(s) to publication:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/tie.20320
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/tie.20320
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