Aboriginal enterprise development in remote areas : prospects, problems and potential strategies

Abstract

The dissertation is primarily a review of the literature from a wide range of sources and disciplines on the topic of Aboriginal enterprise management and development in remote areas. Issues and themes emerging from the literature are synthesised and analysed in terms of factors of organisational effectiveness. The issues are then considered in terms of a strategic management framework of opportunities and threats in the environment of Aboriginal enterprise development. A number of possible strategies for responding innovatively to these opportunities and threats are then described. The Dissertation concludes with a synthesis of opportunities, threats and potential strategies in the context of Aboriginal enterprise developmen~. The conclusion of the research is that Aboriginal culture and traditions are both the greatests strength and the most significant threat to Aboriginal enterprise development. If the problems inherent in meeting the imperatives of organisational effectiveness can be overcome by enterprise and management styles and structures which are adapted to the imperatives of Aboriginal culture, enterprise can offer Aboriginal people an opportunity for economic independence. This will not be easily achieved, however, and committment to finding solutions which are both culturally and economically appropriate in each circumstance will be required by all partners in the endeavour.