Presenting a Model for Evaluating Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Lorestan Non-Governmental Organizations

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• Hosain Moghadam Kia ¹
• Heydar Amiran ²
• Abdollah Kolobandi ³
• Mohamadreza Kabaranzadghadim ⁴

¹ Ph. D Student, Department of Entrepreneurship-International, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

² Assistant Professor, Department of Entrepreneurship Management, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Management, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

⁴ Associate Professor, Department of Industrial Management, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22067/tmj.2024.87752.1566

Abstract

 
1- INTRODUCTION
Today, entrepreneurial opportunities are recognized to be necessary for economic and social development. Due to their unique nature based on public support and non-profit objectives, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) require a specific approach to identifying and evaluating these opportunities. The current study aims to provide a localized model for evaluating entrepreneurial opportunities within NGOs in Lorestan Province. The proposed model is designed to assist NGOs in better identifying existing opportunities and effectively utilizing them.
 
2- METHODOLOGY
This is qualitative research based on Strauss and Corbin’s approach to grounded theory. To gain a deeper understanding of how entrepreneurial opportunities are identified and evaluated in NGOs, in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 persons (including university professors, successful entrepreneurs, and NGO managers) who were experts in entrepreneurship. The collected data was analyzed during the open, axial, and selective coding, the results of which led to 166 meaningful propositions, 35 sub-categories, 12 main categories, and one core category.
 
3- RESULTS & DISCUSSION
The research findings indicate that evaluating entrepreneurial opportunities in NGOs requires considering a set of factors categorized within the study's paradigmatic model. The final model consists of six key elements: causal conditions, intervening conditions, contextual conditions, the central phenomenon, strategies, and consequences. These elements interact to provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating entrepreneurial opportunities.
 

Causal Conditions: Factors that directly influence the formation of entrepreneurial opportunities. These include social needs, technological changes, and competitive environments, all of which can lead to the emergence of new opportunities.
Intervening Conditions: Factors that can facilitate or hinder the process of opportunity evaluation, such as financial resources, entrepreneurial skills, and communication networks.
Contextual Conditions: Factors that provide the background for the emergence and realization of entrepreneurial opportunities, including the culture of entrepreneurship, government support, and the level of organizational readiness.
Central Phenomenon: The process of opportunity evaluation, including the identification, analysis, and selection of suitable opportunities. This process should consider all the above factors to increase the likelihood of success.
Strategies: Actions that NGOs take to exploit identified opportunities, including strategic planning, resource mobilization, and the creation of supportive networks.
Consequences: The outcomes of successfully implementing strategies, may include increased employment, improved economic status of NGOs, and enhanced living standards of the target community.

 
 
4- CONCLUSIONS & SUGGESTIONS
The model presented in this study offers a comprehensive and localized framework for evaluating entrepreneurial opportunities in NGOs. By considering all aspects of the entrepreneurial process, this model can help NGOs optimize their utilization of opportunities, thereby increasing their sustainability and effectiveness. Notably, the model demonstrates that success in evaluating and exploiting entrepreneurial opportunities not only contributes to the growth and development of organizations but also leads to overall social and economic improvement in the community. Other applications of this model include providing a suitable basis for sharing experiences and best practices in entrepreneurship. The model can serve as a benchmark for other provinces and countries seeking to develop entrepreneurship within NGOs. Additionally, the proposed model can aid policymakers in designing supportive programs that maximize the impact on promoting entrepreneurship within NGOs. Based on the findings, this research can serve as a foundation for future studies in the field of entrepreneurship in NGOs and offer solutions for improving the process of evaluating entrepreneurial opportunities.

Keywords

• Entrepreneurship
• Entrepreneurial Opportunity
• Non-Governmental Organizations
• Entrepreneurial Experts

©2024 The author(s). This is an open access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

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