First Advisor
Jacen Greene
Date of Award
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Business Administration: Accounting and University Honors
Department
Business Administration
Subjects
Microfinance -- Vietnam, Poverty -- Government policy -- Vietnam, Economic assistance -- Vietnam, Rural credit -- Vietnam
DOI
10.15760/honors.451
Abstract
The microfinance industry has evolved from its earliest roots as a social movement to a multifaceted financial services industry for the poor. The aim of this research is to add to the existing literature by exploring the poverty reduction approach and financial systems approach to microfinance and its implications on poor rural households in Vietnam. It does this through analyzing three main areas: (i) a comprehensive assessment of microfinance in Vietnam; (ii) analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the poverty reduction and financial system approaches; and (iii) evaluating the impact of access to credit on household poverty reduction in rural Vietnam.
It is demonstrated that a wider range of supporting services such as improvements in physical infrastructure, healthcare, education and skill training is necessary to help the poorest out of poverty. The future of microfinance in Vietnam is shifting from subsidized microcredit through large organizations and state development banks to a market-based provision of credit through independent NGOs. This research finds that the market systems approach may increase financial burdens for poor rural households in Vietnam. Pushing back against the commercialization of microfinance is "responsible finance." The global financial crisis in 2008 emphasized the importance of accountability, security, and transparency in financial services. Innovative technologies may help reduce the risk of increasing financial burdens on clients while scaling social impact.
Rights
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Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/20466
Recommended Citation
Le, Cardin A., "Microfinance: the Impacts of a Poverty Reduction Approach and Financial Systems Approach on Poor Rural Households in Vietnam" (2017). University Honors Theses. Paper 454.
https://doi.org/10.15760/honors.451