Identifying Entrepreneurs’ Social Network in Entrepreneurial Exit

Entrepreneurial exit is an important part of the entrepreneurial process that has a remarkable impact on the entrepreneur, enterprise, various industries and macroeconomics of each country. However, little research has been done in this area; In particular, researchers have paid less attention to the role of the entrepreneurs' social networks on exit. Entrepreneur’s social network is defined as the totality of all persons connected to entrepreneur and include partners, suppliers, customers, venture capitals, distributors, business associations, family members, friends& Advisors. The purpose of this study is to identify the role of social networks and its related factors on entrepreneurial exit. This research in terms of purpose is applied and in terms of method is qualitative-narrative. The statistical population of the study consisted of entrepreneurs in Tehran who had at least one experience of leaving the business in conditions of good economic performance. Research samples were selected using the snowball technique. Semi-structured interviews were also used to collect the data. After interviewing with 12 person theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis and coding led to the identification of seven components related to the social network that are involved in the exit process. These seven components are: differences and conflicts between partners, partners' lack of commitment to their business, partners' lack of experience and skills, family emotional support at the time of exit, family role conflict of business partners, customer’s feedback, and professional and emotional support from friends at the time of exit.