Volume 10, Issue 36 (summer 2021 2021)
serd 2021, 10(36): 49-78 |
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Soleymani A, Karimi S. Designing a model for sustainable entrepreneurship development for rural businesses Hamedan Province. serd 2021; 10 (36) :49-78
URL: http://serd.khu.ac.ir/article-1-3696-en.html
URL: http://serd.khu.ac.ir/article-1-3696-en.html
Designing a model for sustainable entrepreneurship development for rural businesses Hamedan Province
1- Phd in agricultural extension and education, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan. Iran
2- Associate professor of agricultural extension and education, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan. Iran
2- Associate professor of agricultural extension and education, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan. Iran
Abstract: (3810 Views)
Introduction
In recent years, a group of researchers have believed that entrepreneurial activities lead to environmental degradation. However, some researchers have argued that despite the negative effects of some entrepreneurial activities on society and the environment, entrepreneurs still play an important role in guiding business activities towards sustainability, especially social and environmental sustainability. In particular, relying on the capacities and capabilities of rural communities, recognizing new opportunities and growth of innovations adapted to local community condition can reduce these negative effects and also create opportunities for sustainable employment, income generation and sustainable development in rural areas. Researchers refer to sustainable entrepreneurship as a catalyst and a major impetus for sustainable development. In recent decades, sustainable entrepreneurship has been a growing research stream and it is time to pay more attention to sustainable entrepreneurship in the literature. Among the areas that need more detailed and in-depth study in sustainable entrepreneurship is among the research fields that needs more rogue and in-depth investigations. This is about a set necessary factors in order to integrate sustainability in entrepreneurial businesses. Furthermore, it is relevantly more important in rural areas due to the direct relationship of most of rural businesses with natural resources. Accordingly, the present study discusses the requirements and conditions for sustainable development in entrepreneurial activities in rural areas and seeks to provide a suitable integrated model for entrepreneurship development in rural areas based on sustainable rural development and sustainable entrepreneurship.
Methodology
The present study aims to design a comprehensive model of sustainable entrepreneurship development in rural businesses and identify the strategies essential for achieving entrepreneurial sustainability using a qualitative research approach and grounded theory. The statistical population of this study consisted of outstanding entrepreneurs with characteristics such as knowledge and experience in the field, willingness and sufficient time to participate in the research and effective communication skills in Hamedan Province. In this study, 10 people were selected and in-depth interview was used as the main data collection technique. Data was analyzed in a sequence of open coding, axial coding and selective coding. In order to increase the validity of this research, we selected research participants from outstanding entrepreneurs who both work in the field of rural and agricultural businesses, and also have sufficient scientific knowledge on sustainable development issues and the process of entrepreneurship development and rural business creation. In-depth interviews were used to collect and record the required information. In order to verify and avoid research bias, the model and the result obtained by the research team were continuously compared with the aim and checked if there is any part in the report and model that indicates a potential bias by the researchers? Based on these checkups, some reflections were considered in the process.
Discussion and conclusion
According to the results of the present study, the model of sustainable entrepreneurship development in rural businesses in a narrative manner and based on a ground theory is as follows: Regarding to our understanding of sustainability and its aspects as well as the requirements for entrepreneurial businesses to adhere to responsible environmental, socio-cultural and ethical actions in order to achieve sustainability and fulfill their obligations to society and the environment. The findings show the development of rural business activities towards principles and values of sustainability requires strengthening individual factors of business owners and employees, organizational and environmental factors of enterprises. In other words, provided that such conditions and factors are given, the growth and development of behavioral patterns based on sustainability in various economic, social and environmental dimensions in rural businesses will be possible. Internalization of such behavioral patterns also requires appropriate measures and strategies implementation such as empowering relevant institutions, enhancing media performance, continuing policies to promote sustainable entrepreneurship, strengthening cultural contexts, applying supportive policies, facilitating the access to credit and capitals, and developing educational programs, and human resource management strategies to establish responsible values in the organizational culture. Institutionalizing sustainability patterns in rural entrepreneurial businesses will lead to more sustainable rural economic growth, job creation, environmental adaptation, ensuring future access to key natural resources, satisfying social groups, achieving competitive advantage, cost savings, and improving product quality.
In recent years, a group of researchers have believed that entrepreneurial activities lead to environmental degradation. However, some researchers have argued that despite the negative effects of some entrepreneurial activities on society and the environment, entrepreneurs still play an important role in guiding business activities towards sustainability, especially social and environmental sustainability. In particular, relying on the capacities and capabilities of rural communities, recognizing new opportunities and growth of innovations adapted to local community condition can reduce these negative effects and also create opportunities for sustainable employment, income generation and sustainable development in rural areas. Researchers refer to sustainable entrepreneurship as a catalyst and a major impetus for sustainable development. In recent decades, sustainable entrepreneurship has been a growing research stream and it is time to pay more attention to sustainable entrepreneurship in the literature. Among the areas that need more detailed and in-depth study in sustainable entrepreneurship is among the research fields that needs more rogue and in-depth investigations. This is about a set necessary factors in order to integrate sustainability in entrepreneurial businesses. Furthermore, it is relevantly more important in rural areas due to the direct relationship of most of rural businesses with natural resources. Accordingly, the present study discusses the requirements and conditions for sustainable development in entrepreneurial activities in rural areas and seeks to provide a suitable integrated model for entrepreneurship development in rural areas based on sustainable rural development and sustainable entrepreneurship.
Methodology
The present study aims to design a comprehensive model of sustainable entrepreneurship development in rural businesses and identify the strategies essential for achieving entrepreneurial sustainability using a qualitative research approach and grounded theory. The statistical population of this study consisted of outstanding entrepreneurs with characteristics such as knowledge and experience in the field, willingness and sufficient time to participate in the research and effective communication skills in Hamedan Province. In this study, 10 people were selected and in-depth interview was used as the main data collection technique. Data was analyzed in a sequence of open coding, axial coding and selective coding. In order to increase the validity of this research, we selected research participants from outstanding entrepreneurs who both work in the field of rural and agricultural businesses, and also have sufficient scientific knowledge on sustainable development issues and the process of entrepreneurship development and rural business creation. In-depth interviews were used to collect and record the required information. In order to verify and avoid research bias, the model and the result obtained by the research team were continuously compared with the aim and checked if there is any part in the report and model that indicates a potential bias by the researchers? Based on these checkups, some reflections were considered in the process.
Discussion and conclusion
According to the results of the present study, the model of sustainable entrepreneurship development in rural businesses in a narrative manner and based on a ground theory is as follows: Regarding to our understanding of sustainability and its aspects as well as the requirements for entrepreneurial businesses to adhere to responsible environmental, socio-cultural and ethical actions in order to achieve sustainability and fulfill their obligations to society and the environment. The findings show the development of rural business activities towards principles and values of sustainability requires strengthening individual factors of business owners and employees, organizational and environmental factors of enterprises. In other words, provided that such conditions and factors are given, the growth and development of behavioral patterns based on sustainability in various economic, social and environmental dimensions in rural businesses will be possible. Internalization of such behavioral patterns also requires appropriate measures and strategies implementation such as empowering relevant institutions, enhancing media performance, continuing policies to promote sustainable entrepreneurship, strengthening cultural contexts, applying supportive policies, facilitating the access to credit and capitals, and developing educational programs, and human resource management strategies to establish responsible values in the organizational culture. Institutionalizing sustainability patterns in rural entrepreneurial businesses will lead to more sustainable rural economic growth, job creation, environmental adaptation, ensuring future access to key natural resources, satisfying social groups, achieving competitive advantage, cost savings, and improving product quality.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Rural Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Development, Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Hamedan
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