Title: Determinants of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition by agricultural entrepreneurs

Authors: Ehsan Masoomi; Naser Zamani

Addresses: Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran ' Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract: Agriculture sector has more uncertainties than non-agriculture sector. On the other hand, due to diversity in products and services, this sector offers many entrepreneurial opportunities. The purpose of the current study was to investigate determinants of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition by agricultural entrepreneurs. This study was conducted using survey method, and the sample was made up of 140 Iranian agricultural entrepreneurs. The participants were assigned with proportionate stratified random sampling. Data was gathered using a questionnaire, and was analysed using SPSS₂₂ and AMOS₂₂. Path analysis results showed that 'social networks' was the most important determinant of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition with the highest direct effect (0.41). Other factors influencing opportunity recognition included creativity, self-efficacy, prior knowledge and regulatory institution. Education influenced opportunity recognition indirectly through creativity, prior knowledge and social networks, and work experience influenced opportunity recognition indirectly through self-efficacy and social networks. Relevant theoretical and practical implications and contributions are discussed.

Keywords: agricultural entrepreneurs; entrepreneurial opportunity; opportunity recognition; agribusiness; Iran.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2020.109938

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2020 Vol.41 No.2, pp.279 - 303

Received: 27 Jul 2018
Accepted: 24 Sep 2018
Published online: 30 Sep 2020 *

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