Characterising rural businesses – Tales from the paperman

• Published in: Journal of rural studies Vol. 28; no. 4; pp. 499 - 506
• Main Author: Bosworth, Gary
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Business; Case Studies; Classification; Community Development; Conceptualization; Economic activity; Economic Development; Rural Areas; Rural business; Rural communities; Rural economy; Rural Population; Rural society; Self-employed workers; Self-employment; Self-employment; Rural business; Rural society; Rural economy
• ISSN: 0743-0167; 1873-1392
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2012.07.002

A case study of a self-termed ‘rural business’ is used to deconstruct the concept of a rural business and shed light on specific features of ‘operating in a rural area’ and ‘serving a rural population’. Alongside ‘selling a rural product’, the paper claims that these make up three parameters for categorising rural businesses. Highlighting these unique or niche features of a rural business makes is possible to recognise values that extend beyond financial measures. As such, this research provides a mechanism to support rural policy aimed at delivering both economic and community development objectives. ► The term ‘rural business’ implies more than just a business located in a rural area. ► A rural business plays an important social role in its locality. ► Embeddedness can compromise risk-taking and profit maximising for rural businesses. ► Rural businesses are not rewarded for the non-economic value that they generate.