Elie Chrysostome

• Getachew, Y.; Fon, R.; Chrysostome, E. C., 2023, "On The Location Choices of Africa Multinational Enterprises: Do Supranational Economic Institutions Matter", Journal of International Business Policy
  Abstract: In this article, we examine the roles of supranational economic institutions in the location choices of African multinational enterprises (MNEs). In doing so, we first consider the main effect of supranational economic institutions. We then examine whether and how the strength of national economic institutions moderates the effects of supranational economic institutions. Using data from intra-African investments across five African Regional Economic Communities (RECs), we find empirical evidence suggesting that the economic institutions of RECs promote foreign investments of African MNEs. However, we also find that the effects of these supranational institutions are stronger in host countries with better national institutions, pointing to a disparity in the distribution of gains among member countries. By taking intra-African FDI and RECs as empirical contexts, the study not only contributes to filling a critical gap in our understanding of international business and institutions in Africa but also generates useful policy insights for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which began operations on January 1, 2021.

  Link(s) to publication:

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/s42214-023-00160-5#citeas

  http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/s42214-023-00160-5

• Mfokeu, A. M.; Chrysostome, E. C.; Gueyie, J-P.; Ngapna, O. E. M., 2023, "Consumer Motivation behind the Use of Ecological Charcoal in Cameroon", Sustainability, January 15(3)
  Abstract: Climate change and global warming are amplified by pollution and deforestation. For this reason, governments around the world meet every year to find ways to reduce pollution and deforestation and ensure sustainable development. The use of clean energy, particularly ecological charcoal, appears to be an appropriate solution in developing countries. The main objective of this research is to assess the motivations for the consumption of ecological charcoal in Cameroon, using a quantitative approach based on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Data were collected from 525 households in the cities of Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon. The results show that the desire to protect the environment (ecological sensibility), the desire to reduce the energy costs of cooking (economic sensibility), the need to improve health and security, and the desire to enhance the quality of meals and to preserve the cleanliness of pots are all determinants in the consumers’ choice to use ecological charcoal. These results are refreshing. In Cameroon, in addition to its economic value, the massive consumption of ecological charcoal will contribute to a reduction in household waste management problems in cities and municipalities, while preserving the environment.

  Link(s) to publication:

  https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/3/1749

  http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su15031749

• 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

• Ali, H.; Gueyie, J-P.; Chrysostome, E. C., 2022, "Gender, Credit Risk and Performance in Sub-Saharan African Microfinance Institutions", Journal of African Business, May 24(2): 235 - 259.
  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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Brzezinska, J.; Chrysostome, E. C.; Gola, J., 2019, "Corruption and Management of Capacity Building in Developing and Emerging Countries", Articles, August 21(1): 9 - 26.
  Abstract: We examined the phenomenon of corruption in social and economic life in Poland and found that corruption effectively undermines the functioning of the state by destabilizing the economy. One of our major findings was gross deception in project proceedings for contractor selection in major public investment sectors, for the benefit of the contractors. This type of corruption led to the de-concentration and de-specialisation of the corrupt individuals. They were forced to keep double books and bear the costs of keeping illegal transactions secret for as long as possible. This resulted in a decline of economic growth for the state. We also found abuses by private entrepreneurs in the infrastructure and legislative areas. They committed bribery to advance their own economic interests, often worth millions of dollars. These activities have suppressed the growth of states by reducing the number of investments, mismanaging natural resources, and blocking essential structural reforms. However, these pathologies were present not only in Poland but worldwide.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.7202/1062483ar

• 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)
  Abstract: Highlights the need for capacity building through diaspora financial and social remittances Provides a business management perspective on capacity building Offers a multidisciplinary and cross country perspective on how mindsets and social constructs affect capacity building

  Link(s) to publication:

  https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-16740-0

  http://dx.doi.org/10.7202/1072634ar

• Mayuto, R.; Aïhounhin, S. P.; Abodohoui, A.; Chrysostome, E. C., 2019, "Physical Internet, Africa’s Transport Infrastructure and Capacity Building", Articles, January 20(1)
  Abstract: This paper analyzes capacity building in transportation, logistics, and security in Africa. It is one of the first few research studies that reflects the reality of the development of Africa’s infrastructural capacity for transport, based on the notion of the Physical Internet. Grounded on the analysis of the economic, environmental, and social impacts of transport logistics on the continent, the research sheds light on the deficit in infrastructure capacity of African countries. To this end, the study provides a set of recommendations for capacity building across African transport sectors.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.7202/1055447ar

• Strang, K. D.; Chrysostome, E. C., 2018, "Prioritising African capacity building research needs using nearest neighbour analysis", International Journal of Economics and Business Research, January 15(3): 273 - 273.
• 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

• 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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