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Social Capital and the Use of ICTs by Small-Scale Entrepreneurs in Soweto, South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Andrew CARLSON

    (Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, Minnesota)

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play a key role in starting and operating small-scale businesses. In Soweto, South Africa, mobile phones have sparked the creation of new business models and strategies among entrepreneurs. Their use is shown to help maintain relationships and build trust between businesses and clients, thus contributing to individuals' social capital.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew CARLSON, 2012. "Social Capital and the Use of ICTs by Small-Scale Entrepreneurs in Soweto, South Africa," Communications & Strategies, IDATE, Com&Strat dept., vol. 1(86), pages 85-102, 2nd quart.
  • Handle: RePEc:idt:journl:cs8604
    as

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    File URL: http://repec.idate.org/RePEc/idt/journl/CS8604/CS86_CARLSON.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lars-Hendrik Roller & Leonard Waverman, 2001. "Telecommunications Infrastructure and Economic Development: A Simultaneous Approach," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 91(4), pages 909-923, September.
    2. Jeffrey James & Mila Versteeg, 2007. "Mobile phones in Africa: how much do we really know?," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 84(1), pages 117-126, October.
    3. James, M.J. & Versteeg, M., 2007. "Mobile phones in Africa : How much do we really know?," Other publications TiSEM 71c384dd-b246-4fa0-a046-d, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    social capital; South Africa; Soweto; mobile phones; strategies;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics

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