Luiz, John M and Guchu, Baldwin (2022) Building markets between institutional discontinuities: intermediation between formal and informal sectors in developing countries. Africa Journal of Management, 8 (2). pp. 218-237. ISSN 2332-2373

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Abstract

We explore the role of an intermediary, Palladium, in Zimbabwe as it bridges the divide between formal and informal sectors and the process through which it connects these sectors. We conduct in-depth, qualitative interviews structured around our case study of the market building activities of the Livelihoods and Food Security Program in rural Zimbabwe. Recognizing the institutional discontinuities, whereby activities in the formal and informal sectors do not necessarily connect, brings the role of intermediaries to the fore, as they attempt to bridge these divides by leveraging resources and engaging in collaborative arrangements through institutional work. This institutional intermediation is operationalized through processes of rationalization and trust building. We highlight the role of intermediation that reinforces an emergent basis for multi-stakeholder approaches to solve complex problems in Africa – involving private actors, community leaders, and the state – towards shaping ways of building more efficient markets for marginalized groups and facilitating market activity.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Institutional intermediation, institutional work, institutional voids, market and enterprise development, business and society, Africa, Zimbabwe, developing countries
Schools and Departments:	University of Sussex Business School > Strategy and Marketing
Research Centres and Groups:	International Business
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HC Economic history and conditions > HC0800 Africa H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races > HT0401 Rural groups. Rural sociology
Depositing User:	John Luiz
Date Deposited:	14 Sep 2021 13:28
Last Modified:	27 May 2022 13:15
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/101634

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