ACCESS ON TEAMS

A growing body of management literature focuses on the interface between formal and informal markets in non-Western contexts. In this body of work, informal institutions are often treated as enablers, or more often, as constraints on the development of formal markets. Less attention, however, has been paid to the enabling or constraining effect that formal institutions have upon informal market institutions. In this study, we explore the impact of economic development initiatives on informal market traders in Ghana, focusing on the Kumasi Central Market Reconstruction Project (2015-present). It examines the transition from indigenous market structures, dominated by Market Queens, to a formalized market system overseen by bureaucratic institutions. The paper delves into how this shift erodes the institution of the market queen that underpins the market, primarily through undermining the place-based nature of these institutional intermediaries. 

Joël Bothello Bio

Joel Bothello is an Associate Professor in Management at the John Molson School of Business, where he holds the Concordia University Research Chair in Resilience and Institutions. In his research, he examines a variety of business and society phenomena, including Corporate Social Responsibility, sustainability and informal economy entrepreneurship. His research has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals and practitioner outlets. Joel is a co-founding member of OS4F (Organization Scientists 4 Future), a movement of organization scientists who wish to inspire fellow academics to take action on climate change. He is also on the steering committee for AFI (Accounting for Impact), an organization that aims to motivate research that is more impactful and relevant.