Religious social capital and entrepreneurial opportunity exploitation of Indian Muslim youth entrepreneurs in South Africa

Abstract

The rate of entrepreneurial activity among South Africa's youth, a group aged 18 to 35 years, is low. The role of religion in promoting entrepreneurship among South Africa's youth remains relatively under-researched, despite the importance of religious social capital as a contributor to entrepreneurial success. We explore how entrepreneurs rely on their religious social capital to exploit entrepreneurial opportunities. The narrative qualitative study was conducted in the context of the Indian Muslim community within South Africa. The data gathered from 12 Indian Muslim entrepreneurs showed that their social capital influences their pursuit of meaning when engaging in business activities. Pursuing meaning influences how they construct and access networks, resources, and trust-modulated or regulated business transactions. These elements of pursuit of purpose and meaning, resources, networks, and trust-modulated activities influenced by their religious social capital, contribute towards business development by providing opportunities for expansion and access to customers.