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Disincentives To Business Development On The Navajo Nation

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  • RYAN M. YONK

    (Utah State University, 3565 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-3565, USA)

  • SIERRA HOFFER

    (Utah State University, 3565 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-3565, USA)

  • DEVIN STEIN

    (Utah State University, 3565 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-3565, USA)

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the underdevelopment of the business sector on the Navajo reservation. We explore why the Navajo reservation continues to be economically depressed and find that formal and informal institutions unique to the reservation create barriers that disincentivize entrepreneurship. Our examination begins by first conducting a literature review on general barriers to entrepreneurship. Second, we conduct an institutional analysis of the Navajo reservation to understand how formal and informal institutions affect potential entrepreneurs. We then use a comparative case study to analyze how the Navajo reservation’s institutions affect one town on the reservation compared to a similar town outside the reservation’s borders. We conclude there are three main barriers that discourage entrepreneurship. First, a dual bureaucracy and a complicated business license application process disincentivize new business development in the formal economy. Second, the federally held reservation land trust limits how entrepreneurs can access and develop land. Third, the Navajo reservation lacks access to lending opportunities, restricting the capital necessary to start a business. These barriers combine to create a vicious cycle of underdevelopment and poverty.

Suggested Citation

  • Ryan M. Yonk & Sierra Hoffer & Devin Stein, 2017. "Disincentives To Business Development On The Navajo Nation," Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship (JDE), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 22(02), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:jdexxx:v:22:y:2017:i:02:n:s1084946717500121
    DOI: 10.1142/S1084946717500121
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    2. Macpherson, Wayne G. & Tretiakov, Alexei & Mika, Jason P. & Felzensztein, Christian, 2021. "Indigenous entrepreneurship: Insights from Chile and New Zealand," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 77-84.

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