A Framework for Enhancing Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in Tanzania

Abstract

The overall objective of this study was to understand the institutional forces for promoting entrepreneurial development in higher learning institutions (HLIs) in Tanzania and to provide an institutional framework for the same. The study used the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) as a case study to provide an account of the formal institutions, the informal institutions, and the organizational legitimacy that influence entrepreneurial development in the Tanzanian HLIs. Methodologically, the study used individual interviews and focus groups for primary data collection, and documentary review for secondary data to back up the primary data. The study used thematic analysis to derive themes from the data. Data were analyzed with the aid of Nvivo computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software. Through data saturation, a sample size of 73 respondents was reached. The study revealed that, properly organized formal institutions that are functional, active, and mutually reinforcing- including the HLIs’ charter as a formal external instrument; the research and development policy, innovation policy, entrepreneurship development investment policy, and the entrepreneurship development course as a formal internal instrument-enhance entrepreneurship development in HLIs. The study also revealed the need for informal institutions, such as social traditions and social norms as informal internal instruments, to supplement formal institutions. The study also revealed that, when formal and informal institutional forces are unquestionably functioning, active, and interplaying, and stakeholders are required to comply with them, the organizational legitimacy of entrepreneurship development in HLIs can be attained.