Entrepreneurialism and the Ethics of Business Firms: Focus on Micro and Small Scale Enterprises in Merkato Market, Addis Ababa

Abstract

Entrepreneurialism refers to the state of acting in an entrepreneurial manner through entrepreneurial skill. Most of the beginner entrepreneurs start their career through establishment of micro and small-scale enterprises (MSEs). Currently, there is more recognition that marketing ethics is becoming more important for the MSE sector as the success of such firms depends, among other factors, on their integrity and the founder-entrepreneur’s benevolent character. This study also aimed to assess the alignment of entrepreneurialism with marketing ethics practices of MSEs, in Merkato market, Addis Ababa. In order to do so, the researcher distributed questionnaires as a primary data collection tool for 280 respondents (consumers) using venue sampling technique. Besides this, the researcher analyzed reports to assess entrepreneurialism practice in the area as a secondary data source. The study employed descriptive statistics techniques, like tables, frequencies, percentages, and graphs to analyze the collected data. The study concluded that MSEs in Merkato market exhibit unethical marketing practices in the area of product safety and price ethics. The researcher recommended awareness programs, strengthening consumer protection act, establishment of consumer associations in the area, arranging training programs for entrepreneurs on the importance of business ethics for entrepreneurial process, and integrating entrepreneurialism with business ethics in the higher education curriculum.

Keywords: Entrepreneurialism, Marketing ethics, MSEs, Unethical practices