Identifying factors influencing social entrepreneurial intentions in an Islamic context

A review of the literature shows that little research has been done identifying factors influencing social entrepreneurial intentions in Islamic contexts. Using a narrative method, in-depth semi-structured interview and purposive sampling method, this applied qualitative research is conducted to identify these factors among social entrepreneurs in Iran. The results show that individual factors (i.e., Islamic beliefs and assumptions including belief in the hereafter and heavenly reward, optimism to humans, hope for the future, social responsibility and social commitment, Infagh and helping others, mission-oriented, Barakah and peopling the land, psychological factors including compassion, conscience, and benevolence; human capital including prior entrepreneurial experience, prior social experience and education; perceived personality traits including extraversion, autonomy, need for achievement and internal locus of control; financial capital; and special events in childhood) and environmental factors (i.e., family values and behaviors, role models, social communities' activities, positive attitude of the society towards social entrepreneurship, perceived social problems, and legal factors including tax benefits and ease of startup) are factors influencing social entrepreneurial intentions.