The influence of religious faith on the entrepreneurship process of established entrepreneurs

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which religious faith influences established entrepreneurs across their entrepreneurial process journey. Using a resource-based view and social networks as the theoretical lens, the study examines how faith promotes the intent, opportunity search and identification, opportunity evaluation, and the execution of the opportunity. Design, Methodology and Approach: The analysis is based on the data gathered from in-depth interviews conducted with 12 established entrepreneurs who operate in various business sectors. This cross-sectional, qualitative methodology study explored how faith shapes entrepreneurial behaviour towards all their entrepreneurial activities. Findings: Results show that faith plays a role among established entrepreneurs across all phases of their entrepreneurial process. Entrepreneurs tap into different mechanisms of their faith as they execute their daily tasks and move along their entrepreneurial journey. Research limitation and implications: The study was limited to established entrepreneurs who have successfully engaged with their entrepreneurial journey. Implications of the study are that aspiring entrepreneurs who will apply the framework contributed by this study will be able to successfully execute all entrepreneurial phases. Practical implication: Findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of faith and mechanisms of religion as part of the entrepreneurship process context. The results also highlight the important implications of using faith in the entrepreneurial journey.