Exploring the Influence of Gotong Royong in Entrepreneurial Practices: A Case Study of Selasar Sunaryo Art Space

This case study investigates the role of gotong royong in achieving organizational goals and supporting entrepreneurial processes. It emphasizes incorporating gotong royong as a foundational Indonesian value in contemporary management practices. Using a qualitative case study method, data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. Key participants were selected via purposive and snowball sampling methods. Gotong royong significantly influences Selasar Sunaryo Art Space (SSAS) through leadership, transparency, accountability, consensus-based compliance, and rapid action. Practices such as cross-unit collaboration, inclusive meetings, and voluntary support foster cohesion and entrepreneurial resilience. Even after a major post-COVID-19 leadership transition, the deeply embedded cultural values allowed SSAS to maintain its vision, adaptability, and collaborative spirit, demonstrating the long-term sustainability of gotong royong-based management. SSAS reflects a dominant Clan culture, aligned with Indonesian collectivist values. This research distinguishes gotong royong, an indigenous Indonesian principle of mutual aid, communal solidarity, and sociocultural ethos from Western conceptualizations of teamwork. Through a case study of its implication at SSAS, it demonstrates the continued relevance of gotong royong in achieving organizational goals. The study emphasizes that gotong royong represents a specific sociocultural phenomenon, rather than a generalized characteristic of non-Western societies.