Title of article :
Exploring the Role of Social Capital in Agricultural Entrepreneurial Opportunity Recognition: Application of Smart PLS
Author/Authors :
Khoshmaram, Mojgan Deptartment of Agricultural Extension and Education - Faculty of Agriculture - Razi University , Zarafshani, Kiumars Deptartment of Agricultural Extension and Education - Faculty of Agriculture - Razi University , Alibaygi, Amirhossein Deptartment of Agricultural Extension and Education - Faculty of Agriculture - Razi University , Mirakzadeh, Aliasghar Deptartment of Agricultural Extension and Education - Faculty of Agriculture - Razi University
Abstract :
Although agriculture has a major role in economy, in general,
and employment opportunities for unemployed population,
in particular, limited ability of individuals to recognize entrepreneurial
opportunities in agriculture has reduced the share of
agriculture in employment. Therefore, the enhancement of opportunity
recognition skills among individuals in the agriculture
sector is believed to solve unemployment challenges. Social
capital is a rich source of information that permits the individuals
to identify different combinations of the means-ends in the
creation of new products or services for a particular market.
Thus, this study sought to explore the role of social capital
components in agricultural entrepreneurial opportunity recognition
in Kermanshah province. The statistical population of this study
consisted of all agricultural entrepreneurs in Kermanshah
province (N=136), 102 of them were selected as the sample of
the study based on Krejcie and Morgan’s sampling table and
the use of a proportional stratified sampling method. The main
instrument in this study was a questionnaire whose validity was
confirmed by a panel of experts; its average variance was
extracted, and its discriminant validity and reliability coefficient
was established by using a Cronbach's alpha as well as the
composite reliability index. Data were analyzed by SPSSV23
and Smart PLS3 softwares. The result of the Structural Equation
Modeling (SEM) revealed that the social capital components
(strong ties and weak ties) were the main predictors of opportunity
recognition among agricultural entrepreneurs in Kermanshah
province. Findings of this study carry important implications
for agricultural policy makers and educators aiming to foster
greater inclusion and cohesion, and to increase transparency
and accountability, in order to develop the recognition and exploitation
of entrepreneurial opportunities in the process of
promoting agricultural entrepreneurship.
Keywords :
agricultural entrepreneurship , employment , social network , strong tie , weak tie
Journal title :
Astroparticle Physics
