Conceptualization of Networking in Home-based Businesses based on Agricultural Products with a Qualitative Approach

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Entrepreneurship, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran. Tehran, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Chalous Branch, Islamic Azad University, Chalous, Iran

Abstract

Networks are important resources for business and entrepreneurship. The purpose of the current research study was to utilize a qualitative approach in order to conceptualize networking in home-based businesses based on agricultural products. Using random sampling method, 31 experts were recruited and interviewed until data saturation was reached. The interviews were then transcribed and after that, the transcribed passages underwent open, axial, and selective coding. These coding procedures were conducted by using MAXQDA software. In order to validate the findings, criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability, and conformability were employed. Results showed that networking in home-based businesses can be identified as eight components including customer-orientedness, key contribution, knowing competitors, good products processing, channels of promotion and sale, suggested values, and material and spiritual supporters that were all conceptualized and their frequencies were estimated. Thus, it is expected that the results of the present study can efficiently contribute, at the theoretical level, to developing theoretical bases and offering new pathways, and at the practical level, to exploiting the target market within the realm of home-based businesses in general, and in agricultural products sector, in specific. It is hoped that such influences can help business owners to improve their current state of affairs.

Keywords

References

  1. Alipour, Sh., Hashemi, M., & Amerishahrabi, M. (2019). Presentation a cultural model for the development of home businesses in Tehran based on the neighborhood-centered approach. Journal of Geographical Quarterly of the Land,16(61), pp. 138-125.
  2. Aluko, Olu & Siwale, Juliana & Simba, Amon & Mswaka, Walter. (2020). The Role of Networks in Opportunity Identification: A Focus on African Transnational Entrepreneurs. 17. 1-22.
  3. Cabrera-Suárez, M. K., García-Almeida, D. J., & De Saá-Pérez, P. (2018). A dynamic network model of the successor’s knowledge construction from the resource-and knowledge-based view of the family firm. Family Business Review, 31(2), 178-197.
  4. Durugbo , C. (2014). Bunch: A channel-oriented business network modelling approach. Business Process Management Journal, 20(3), 455-479.
  5. Dutta, D. K., & Hora, M. (2017). From invention success to commercialization success: Technology ventures and the benefits of upstream and downstream supply-chain alliances. Journal of Small Business Management, 55(2), 216-235.
  6. Hastings, D., & Anwar, M. (2019). Home-based businesses and the factors affecting their collaborative propensity. Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference.
  7. Huizingh, E. & Mulder, M. (2015). Effectiveness of regulatory interventions on firm behavior: A randomized field experiment with e-commerce firms. Small Business Economics, 45(4), 825-840
  8. Imani, B,. Varmazyari, H & Asadi., A,(2016),  Analysis of the satisfaction of rural business owners in Malekan city with business development services. Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research, 48-2(2)pp. 323-332. (In Farsi).
  9. Jalali, F., & Parchami, D. (2019). Role of social networks in home business success. Journal of  Basij Strategic Studies, 21(8) pp. 67-101, (In Farsi).
  10. Kapasi, I., & Galloway, L. (2019). Home-based Business: An Exploration of Business Model Heterogeneity. Journal of Business Models, 6(3), 63-78.
  11. Kiakojoori, M., (2016), Designing a sustainable small and medium business model in Iran with a supply chain management approach in the selected medicinal plants industry. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Mazandaran ,Iran.
  12. Liu, G., Ko, W. W., Ngugi, I., & Takeda, S. (2020). Networking-bonding actions, quality of ties, and channel member collaboration: Evidence from UK-based small firms. Journal of Small Business Management, 1-34.
  13. Mirakzadeh, A., Khaledi, F., Shahkaramirigi, Z & Allahveisi,. MA.(2016),  Analysis of effective factors and barriers to the development of non-agricultural activities with emphasis on home-based businesses, 48-2(3), pp. 533-545.
  14. Niroumand, P., Ranjbar,M., Arabi,M & Haji Sadeghi,.B.(2013). presentation Aframwork for designing a business model. Journal of Information Technology Management, 5(4), pp. 267 -284,(In Farsi).
  15. Nor, N. I. M., & Khin, A. A.(2016). Marketing Via Social Network: The Future For Home-Based Business In Malaysia. Journal Of Global Economics, Management And Business Research, 14-23.
  16. Reuschke, D., & Houston, D. (2016). The importance of housing and neighborhood resources for urban microbusinesses. European Planning Studies, 24(6), 1216-1235.
  17. Saudi, H. (2012). role of small businesses in meeting the basic needs of women heads of rural households in Hamadan province. Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research, 44 (2), pp. 271-282,(In Farsi).
  18. Sarangi, H. A. K. N. S. (2018). What influences the networking behaviors of female entrepreneurs? A case for the small business tourism sector in Sri Lanka, International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, 10(2), 116-133. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJGE-08-2017-0049
  19. Taggart,J.(2010). Networking experiences of Australian home based businesses. PhD Dissertation. Southern Cross University, Australia.

Wu, J., & Ang, S. (2020). Network complementaries in the international expansion of emerging market firms. Journal of World Business. 55.101045.10.1016/j.jwb.2019.101045

Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research
Volume 52, Issue 2
May 2021
Pages 343-353

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics