This study investigates the crucial connection between family dynamics and private business operations in Kyrgyzstan, with a particular focus on small businesses. The research involved a combination of in-depth interviews and a large-scale survey of 1,000 small business owners across Bishkek and Osh.
The research began with 20 in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs from various industries, as well as experts and business association leaders. These interviews provided valuable insights into the role of family in small business operations, revealing different forms of family involvement in decision-making and day-to-day management.
A survey, utilizing random sampling methods, further confirmed the significant influence of family in small businesses. Family members often play key roles in decision-making and management, with many businesses being passed down through generations. These findings highlight the central role family plays in sustaining small businesses in Kyrgyzstan, providing insights for policymakers and business leaders aiming to support and promote family-owned enterprises.
Led by Dr. Paul Dower from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, the study was funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and executed locally by Target Research through partner organisation, Crossroads Central Asia.