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Empowering Communities: The Strategic Role of Community Enterprise Entrepreneurs in Sustainable Development

Author

Listed:
  • Pannapa Khiawnoi

    (Faculty of Management Science, Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80280, Thailand)

  • Sor Sirichai Nakudom

    (Faculty of Management Science, Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80280, Thailand)

  • Pinrudee Noobutr

    (Faculty of Management Science, Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80280, Thailand)

  • Uthorn Kaewzang

    (Faculty of Management Science, Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80280, Thailand)

Abstract

Community enterprises play an essential role in advancing sustainable development; however, limited strategic frameworks impede their ability to integrate economic, social, and environmental objectives effectively. This study explores the strategic roles undertaken by community enterprise entrepreneurs to address this gap. Adopting a mixed-methods design, this research integrates qualitative data from in-depth interviews and participatory observations with quantitative analysis based on 215 standardized survey responses. The findings reveal consistent emphasis on five critical strategic roles: vision and goal-setting, resource management, networking and collaboration, innovation leadership, and strategic leadership, with mean ratings between 4.45 and 4.54 on a five-point Likert scale. Qualitative insights further illuminate how entrepreneurs leverage these strategies to optimize resources, foster cross-sector partnerships, drive innovation, and strengthen organizational resilience. Policy recommendations include enhancing infrastructure, developing entrepreneurial capacity, and promoting multi-sectoral ecosystems to support community enterprises. This study contributes to the theoretical discourse by proposing a five-dimensional strategic entrepreneurship model for sustainable community development, offering practical guidelines for policymakers and entrepreneurs seeking to foster resilient, inclusive, and sustainable local economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Pannapa Khiawnoi & Sor Sirichai Nakudom & Pinrudee Noobutr & Uthorn Kaewzang, 2025. "Empowering Communities: The Strategic Role of Community Enterprise Entrepreneurs in Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:12:p:5483-:d:1678800
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    References listed on IDEAS

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