Entrepreneurship and ethics under extreme conditions of poverty : exploring the ethical realities faced by entrepreneurs

Research into entrepreneurship and business ethics has attracted increasing attention in western developed markets. However, the focus of recent studies into these issues has mostly been in Europe and North America. In the process, the impact of these issues on consumers and entrepreneurs exposed to extreme poverty has been overlooked. Using findings from a study conducted in Zimbabwe which is a market exposed to harsh conditions and experiencing harsh poverty, we demonstrate a need for research into entrepreneurship and business ethics in conditions of extreme poverty. We argue that a different mindset is required for entrepreneurs in this environment and that this requires a different approach to western based forms of ethical practices. We argue that researchers should study business ethics in this environment in the context of the environment in which entrepreneurs must operate.