Microfinance,Mission Drift,and the Impact on the Base of the Pyramid: A Resource‐Based Approach

This article draws on resource‐based theory and the literature on strategic intent to develop a theoretical model that explains the concept of mission drift in microfinance institutions (MFIs). We argue that the differential strategic intents of commercially oriented, for‐profit, and socially oriented nonprofit organizations drive the acquisition of disparate resources and capabilities, which in turn drives distinct performance outcomes, including a focus on different markets within the overall base of the pyramid (BOP). The article suggests that it is the dynamic aspects of changing strategic intent and the consequent timing delays in the development of associated resources and capabilities that lead to various issues of mission drift. Finally, we suggest that cross‐sector alliances between for‐profit and nonprofit MFIs may benefit from the unique capabilities of both types of organizations and deliver the most and broadest impact on poverty alleviation in BOP markets.     

Local perception of rodent-associated problems in Sahelian urban areas: a survey in Niamey,Niger

Rodents are involved in the epidemiology of many pathogens and are major pests for agriculture. Local perception and beliefs about rodents and their damages is a key element of control programs. We here present the first survey focusing on the human perception of rodent-associated problems in an African town, namely Niamey, Niger. In total, 170 interviews were conducted in 18 different urban districts where rodents (Mastomys natalensis, Rattus rattus and Mus musculus) are widespread and abundant. Rodent-associated problems were mentioned in almost all instances (96.5 %). Eight different categories of rodent-induced nuisances could be recurrently identified. The most frequently cited one consists in damages on food and food stocks (63.1 %), followed by damages on houses (47.3 %), furniture (19.5 %) and clothes (16.8 %). There was no significant association between damages and districts, which means that the perception of rodent-associated problems did not vary significantly across the city. Our survey strongly suggests that rodents may represent major pests not only for farmers, but also for inhabitants of towns, thus contributing to reinforce economic vulnerability. Finally, no mention of sanitary or medical problems was ever recorded during our survey, thus pointing towards an apparent absence of knowledge about the potential role of rodents in some public health issues.     

Hofstede's I-C Dimension as Predictive of Allocative Behaviors: A Meta-Analysis

There is a growing consensus in the scholarly and practitioner literature that theories of management do not always translate simply and universally. Using meta-analytic techniques, we explore Hofstede’s (1980) prediction that aculture’s score on individualism-collectivism will be associated with a normative preference for certain distributive justice principles. Findings indicate that in individualistic countries the preference favors the equity rule over equality or need in reward allocation. Conversely, in relatively collectivistic societies equality or need is emphasized. Moreover, in collectivistic societies the equity rule appears to be preferred with out-group members and equality or need with-in group. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.