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How Do Entrepreneurs Form Social Business Opportunity Beliefs? An Opportunity Actualization Perspective

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The opportunity actualization perspective has recently gained attention as a key framework for exploring entrepreneurial opportunity. The perspective’s theorizing, however, predominantly focuses on profit-driven opportunities, limiting its applicability across the spectrum of entrepreneurial behavior. To broaden applicability, we examine how entrepreneurs motivated by social and economic considerations form their opportunity beliefs. We use a qualitative research approach that combines think-aloud protocols and semi-structured interviews with 24 impact entrepreneurs. Our findings allow us to develop a holistic model of social business opportunity belief formation, incorporating market and non-economic considerations, emphasizing the role of non-market stakeholders. We derive important implications for both theory and practice.

Source: Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice

DOI: 10.1177/10422587251404873

Authors: Alexander Dominik Meister, Sönke Mestwerdt, Matthias Mrożewski, René Mauer, Christoph Seckler

Institutions: IU International University of Applied Sciences, University of Manchester, Tecnológico de Monterrey, ESCP Business School

Language: English

Topic: Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900