The power & over-promise of the ‘role model effect’
I’m glued nightly to CNN International and BBC World News – my work with Endeavor’s International Expansion team in the Middle East & North Africa ensuring a pull, and stake, in the outcome from changes sweeping the region. I cheered alongside local citizens when Tunisians drove out Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, and Egyptians forced Hosni Mubarak’s resignation. In promoting entrepreneurship development, I frequently observe the power of the ‘role model effect’. Think Maktoob’s acquisition by Yahoo, which in turn drove multiple technology upstarts to launch in Jordan – Jeeran and Akhtaboot, to name just two. Now the ‘role model effect’ ripples between neighboring countries looking to topple long-standing rulers. I was struck by a statement made by an anti-Qaddafi protestor in Tripoli – “the time to beat is 18 days” (indicating that it took Egyptians 18 days to oust Mubarak, and Libyans would like to rid themselves of Qaddafi in less time).
I’m not trying to diminish the importance of a movement that is creating history as I write this. It’s that I find myself asking “what next?” in response to the ‘less than 18 day’ goal. A powerful role model provides a marker of success, an example to follow, a motivating push – the rest has to be a self-made vision. The Jordanian high-tech entrepreneurs know they require a differentiated business model, and a visualization all their own. Emulating a role model only goes so far. For Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain,… what is the long-term vision and who will help determine the steps to get there? A focus on removing one long-standing dictator is perhaps easier than figuring out how to unite, and better govern a country post-protests – and ultimately how to grow economies badly in need of a robust private sector, and job creation. These outcomes will require much more than 18 days – and there are few clear role models to follow.
