Self-Determination and Economic Adaptation of Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurs in the Cultural Tourism Market: A Narrative Inquiry in the Highlands of Dien Bien

Duong Thi Hoa Phuong

doi:10.56201/ijebm.vol.12.no3.2026.pg131.141

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Self-Determination and Economic Adaptation of Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurs in the Cultural Tourism Market: A Narrative Inquiry in the Highlands of Dien Bien

Duong Thi Hoa Phuong

Abstract

In the context of rapidly developing cultural tourism in ethnic minority regions, current research often overlooks the agency of local entrepreneurs. This study, therefore, aims to explore the self-determination and economic adaptation strategies of ethnic minority entrepreneurs in Dien Bien. Using a narrative inquiry approach, the paper deeply analyzes 20 business stories of Thai and Hmong entrepreneurs. The findings confirm that they are dynamic economic actors who constantly exercise their self-determination within a constrained environment. They actively negotiate and define cultural “authenticity,” deciding what is presented to tourists. Concurrently, they creatively employ the “art of bricolage” and social capital to overcome resource limitations, turning culture into a competitive advantage. The study challenges incomplete perceptions of passivity and provides crucial policy implications. Accordingly, policies need a fundamental shift from a subsidy-based, handout model to an “empowerment” mechanism that recognizes and fosters the community's intrinsic creative capacity.

Keywords

Self-determinationeconomic adaptationethnic minority entrepreneurscultural tourismVietnam.

References

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Self-Determination and Economic Adaptation of Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurs in the Cultural Tourism Market: A Narrative Inquiry in the Highlands of Dien Bien

Abstract

Keywords

References

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