Business Idea Generation of Small Business Entrepreneurs: Role of Social Environment

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to define social environment (i.e. social norms and social networks) and explore idea generation at a social level in business entrepreneurs and answer the question the idea generation at a social level in entrepreneurs.

Design/Methodology/Approach. To achieve the objective of explaining idea generation at the social level, twenty-three semi-structured interviews were steered through a purposive sampling technique for qualitative data collection and analysis. The informants are based on information provided by the chamber of commerce of three regions namely; Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Karachi, Pakistan. The qualitative data were recorded, transcribed, and analysed in NVIVO 10.

Findings. The results achieved from data collected through interviews strongly supported the main research question. The informants defined social networks as the mode of creating a path of belonging, interaction, connecting, and building relationship. In terms of support of social networks in idea generation, business entrepreneurs receive support from social networks and it contributed to new business idea generation. Whereas; without a social environment idea generation is not possible because one will not be able to brainstorm and scrutinize fruitful ideas.

 Research Limitations. This study has only considered a limited sample size from three main regions of Sindh, province. Thus, the future study can engage more sample size and different theoretical backgrounds from other disciplines for the development of models.

Practical Implications. This research will help to enhance entrepreneurial activities in Pakistan by creating awareness to support entrepreneurs at the social level for entrepreneurship.

Originality/Value. In comparison to past research this study explores idea generation at a social level in small business entrepreneurs.

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