Location
Chan Shun Hall Room 209
Start Date
1-7-2025 2:00 PM
End Date
1-7-2025 3:00 PM
Description
Abstract: In recent years, economic uncertainty has present significant challenges for many, particularly those with irregular jobs and unstable wages. This study examined the perspectives of the faith-based casual and contract employees on how they navigate the economic uncertainty with small businesses. The objective of study was to explore how contract/casual employees in faith-based organizations (FBOs) navigate financial instability by engaging in small businesses as a supplementary income source. All participants were workers of organizations of the same religious affiliation and the same employment policies guiding their operations in Kenya. Using a case study research design and purposive sampling techinque, nine (9) on a one-on-one and two focus groups discussion (4 person per group) participants were interviewed in-depth for the study, with five thematic areas emerging. The emerging data found that participants have unique experiences regarding economic challenges, motivation to engage in small business activities, utilization of small businesses to cope with economic uncertainty, challenges in balancing the small businesses with employment and the role of faith-based organizations in providing support. Based on the findings, the study offers actionable recommendations to help the faith-based casual and contract employees navigate turbulent times. Key areas of focus include entrepreneurial training, loan and grant programs collaboration, and long-term economic sustainability.
Keywords: Economic Uncertainty, Small Business, Faith-Based Organizations, Casual Employees, Contract Employees, Financial Sustainability
Navigating Economic Uncertainty with Small Business
Chan Shun Hall Room 209
Abstract: In recent years, economic uncertainty has present significant challenges for many, particularly those with irregular jobs and unstable wages. This study examined the perspectives of the faith-based casual and contract employees on how they navigate the economic uncertainty with small businesses. The objective of study was to explore how contract/casual employees in faith-based organizations (FBOs) navigate financial instability by engaging in small businesses as a supplementary income source. All participants were workers of organizations of the same religious affiliation and the same employment policies guiding their operations in Kenya. Using a case study research design and purposive sampling techinque, nine (9) on a one-on-one and two focus groups discussion (4 person per group) participants were interviewed in-depth for the study, with five thematic areas emerging. The emerging data found that participants have unique experiences regarding economic challenges, motivation to engage in small business activities, utilization of small businesses to cope with economic uncertainty, challenges in balancing the small businesses with employment and the role of faith-based organizations in providing support. Based on the findings, the study offers actionable recommendations to help the faith-based casual and contract employees navigate turbulent times. Key areas of focus include entrepreneurial training, loan and grant programs collaboration, and long-term economic sustainability.
Keywords: Economic Uncertainty, Small Business, Faith-Based Organizations, Casual Employees, Contract Employees, Financial Sustainability
Comments
Angela Ewhonne Nwaomah, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Social Sciences, School of Postgraduate Studies
Adventist University of Africa, Nairobi, Kenya