Abstract:
Purpose – The past two decades have witnessed a surge in entrepreneurship training (ET) programmes among
religious organisations in Ghana. Despite this, current studies on the topic have revealed a gap in the perception of ET
initiatives and the actual needs and expectations of trainees. This paper aims to explore the characteristics of ET
programmes in Christian organisations in Ghana and the perception of beneficiaries on the relevance of these schemes.
Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research approach was used for the study. The study
used interviews and document reviews as data collection instruments. In investigating research questions one
and two for case study one, interviews were used. For case study two, data were collected mainly through a
review of documents for research question one and interviews for research question two. The data were
analysed using thematic analysis techniques.
Findings – The results show some similarities in ET characteristics in the two cases studied, specifically
regarding objectives and target outcomes. Therefore, ET programmes identified in both cases were targeted
at both potential and practicing entrepreneurs in the congregations. Further, content appears adequate with
an emphasis on topics that develop business management skills. The teaching approach varied within the
studied religious organisations and although some practices were similar to best practice guidelines
suggested in literature, there are lapses in the system. Regarding respondents? perception on the relevance of
the ET programmes, the authors observed a positive outlook among all respondents who argued that the
scheme addressed key issues at individual, organisational and national levels. However, the study revealed
that religious institutions were unwilling to provide seed funding to beneficiaries.
Research limitations/implications – Further studies will need to validate findings in other Christian
denominations not captured in the study. Furthermore, replicating this study among non-Christian religious
institutions would be beneficial for policymaking.
Practical implications – This study suggests that managers of ET programmes in churches need to be
helped to focus their programmes on developing business competencies, specifically technical skills.
Originality/value – There is a gap in understanding of the nature of ET programmes in religious
institutions in Ghana and globally. This study provides insights on the characteristics of ET programmes in
churches; thus allowing us to understand how they can be supported to deliver effectively.
