Author : Monica Do Rosario Da Costa Moreira

Summary : The study was conducted to analyzed the Self-Development STrategy (SDS) as implemented in the Tais Industry in Dili District, Timor-Leste. The study determined the SDS as a means to enable local community to build a more variable local economy; described the socio-economic characteristic of local entrepreneurs, benefits and costs and obstacles in Tais industry cluster; determined the business performance of the Tais industry; determined the critical variables i.e. individual and organizational characteristics and collective behaviors. Data were gathered from thirty (30) respondents from the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry of Dili Distict, the Local Government of Dili District and non-government organizations Alola Foundation that cooperated in implementing the program. Structured questionnaire was utilized in conducting in-depth and face-to-face interviews. Basic statistical methods such as percentages (%) and frequency distribution were used to analyze numerical data. Results showed that SDS is implemented in the development programs of the Tais entrepreneurs. The SDS created a variety of jobs through increasing employment by agricultural productivity, improving infrastructure, including through labor intensive, promoting private sector development, including through enhancing access to microfinance for local residents in Dili district. However, inadequate and unstable demand coupled with financing problems in terms of credit schemes were identified as major obstacles for SDS. Knowledge, skills, market orientation, and business experience were found to influence business performance of the Tais industry. On the organizational variable, it was found out that leadership performance and linkages were key influences for good business performance. Collectivity, participation and cohesiveness influenced business performance of the Tais industry. Specifically, skills is considered the most important factor, followed by knowledge and market orientation that increased business performance of the Tais industry. This study showed in general that SDS enable local communities to build a viable local economy. Based on the aforementioned findings, conclusions and implications of this study, several recommendation are hereby proposed to government agencies, and the Tais industry. For the government agencies, develop entrepreneur-related skills in organization and planning and employ strategic entrepreneurial communication. There is need for the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry of Timor-Leste to continue their support on Tais production of Timorese women. For the promotion of entrepreneurship, government should promulgate policies that are neutral and provide no special advantages to the large firms. There is need also to focus on improving skills in the utilization of an advanced technology in Tais making and its business. To be more developed and well-managed, the office of industrial agency in the district should continue establishing high morale and strengthen efforts in developing, monitoring and supervising the capabilities of the Tais entrepreneurs to produce products with high quality, best prices and services. For the Tais industry, there is need for recognition of the importance of knowledge and skills to increase extent of business performance. There is also a need for a well articulated skills promotion programs, including the use of up-to-date technologies to be in place among the Tais entrepreneurs. There is need also for quality, capacity and performance of leader in the business expansion or growth. Lastly, there is need for more research of market trends to be undertaken to improve the business performance of the Tais industry players.