A Comparative Study on Entrepreneurial Skills Among the Tamils and Muslims in the Baticaloa District

Abstract

This study focuses on a comparative study on entrepreneurship among the Tamils and Muslims in the Batticaloa District. Since it was found from empirical evidence, that there is an imbalance in entrepreneurship between Tamils and Muslims in the Batticaloa District, the purpose of this study is to identify the competencies that they possess in trading such as Textile, Grocery, Sale of Furniture & Household items and the way they apply them. This study also attempts to find out the reasons for the imbalance in the competencies needed to launch and marriage ventures. The conceptual model of the study explains, though, the competencies of risk taking, perseverance and innovativeness of the entrepreneurs of this region have directly contributed to their success in their ventures, how the personal factors such as, education, experience and family business backgrounds and institutional support such as monetary and non-monetary policies determine the success of their ventures. The study was conducted among the sample population 100 entrepreneurs who were selected from the district for a preliminary study. Data were collected through questionnaire which focuses on the entrepreneurial variables that could improve on the factors influencing entrepreneurs' success in the four Divisional Secretariats in the Batticaloa District. The study is limited with variables such as Personal Factors, Entrepreneurial Traits and Institutional Support. They were further divided into sub variables. The research model conceptualized a positive relationship between the independent variables - (Personal Factors, Entrepreneurial Traits, and Institutional Support) and the dependent variable (Entrepreneurial Success). It was found that the inequality in innovative traits, risk taking traits, family business background and the institutional support contribute to the disparity in growth among the Tamil and Muslim entrepreneurs. The risk-taking traits is having more influence in causing the disparity in growth among the Tamil and Muslim entrepreneurs. With regard to risk taking traits Muslim entrepreneurs have 76% but the Tamil 12%. Out of 50 samples 62% of Muslim Entrepreneurs are high in innovative traits, at the same time, only 18 % of Tamil entrepreneurs. Out of 50 Tamil entrepreneurs, the family bu5iness background is favorable only for 2% and they are low in average growth rate of the assets value. The family business background is favorable for 78 % of Muslim entrepreneur whereas the family business background is favorable for only for 2% of the Tamil entrepreneurs. In addition to the above variables the institutional support also marginally contributes to Tamil entrepreneurs to this disparity. Out of 50 of Tamil entrepreneur, the Institutional support is neutral for 90% them, whereas the institutional support is neutral for 92 % of the Muslim entrepreneurs