Studying Elites: Methodological Concerns & Solutions Professor kenneth amaeshi (University of edinburgh, uk) Dr. Uwafiokun idemudia (york university, canada)

TABLE OF CONTENT Africapitalism Lessons The emergence of the Research Project Overview of the Research Project Methodological Issues Challenges and Opportunities Lessons

Research Project 4 Country study Exploring the role of the Private Sector in the Sustainable Development of Africa Two (2) years research project funded by the Tony Elumelu Foundation To study entrepreneurs, businesses, and policy makers, and their actions, motivations, and practices in relation to sustainable development in Africa

Main Research Question Research Project Main Research Question What is sustainable development and how can the private sector contribute to the sustainable development of Africa? What is sustainable development (including different dimensions and measurements)? How can/do business contribute to sustainable development (including current and potential influences) of Africa? What does the literature say about sustainable development in Africa?

Africapitalism: Research Methodology Qualitative inquiry (in-depth interviews) Interpretivist methodology

Concerns and Solutions Practical Concerns Accessibility Collaboration across borders Local capacity issues Varied stakeholders’ expectations Theoretical Concerns The novelty of the concept A discourse in search of a theory Trustworthiness and legitimacy Solution Strategies Collaboration with top local business schools Interdisciplinary African teams Capacity building and training Clear deliverables Early dissemination of findings Blogs and journal articles (e.g. Amaeshi and Idemudia, 2015) Critical Reflexivity

Journal article Sense of Progress and Prosperity Africapitalism is predicated on the creation of social wealth in addition to the pursuit of financial profitability. Sense of Parity and Inclusion The benefits of progress and prosperity need to be equitably shared. Sense of Peace and Harmony The quest for “…investments that generate both economic prosperity and social wealth", which is at the heart of Africapitalism, is primarily a quest for balance, harmony and peace. Sense of Place and Belongingness Africapitalism is an expression of topophilia – “the effective bond between people and place” (Duncan and Duncan, 2001:41). It is both an awareness of a positive feeling for a place and a feeling of being home (Hauge 2007).In other words, “[t]o live is to live locally, and to know is first of all to know the places one is in” (Casey, 1996: 18).

Blog article

Blog article

Where are we? Project completed and funder is happy Two forthcoming books (Cambridge and Routledge) Journal articles in progress and continued engagement with the academic community

Lessons Flexibility and ability to deal with uncertainties Creating platforms for constant dialogues and team bonding Do not underestimate the importance of quality local partners Dedicated project management is very important