Proposing a model for entrepreneurship opportunities and challenges in online social networks in Iran

Human life has been affected by new communications in recent years. The development of cyberspace has led to businesses embracing social networks. The appearance of the cyberspace and features offered by information technology (IT) has provided hope, wishes, opportunities, and challenges for business owners. Organizations create opportunities for improving productivity, market share and value, and profitability. Also, the use of social networks has imposed challenges for entrepreneurs. The present study aims to investigate and propose a model for entrepreneurship opportunities and challenges in social networks. The methodology is fundamental in terms of objectives and qualitative in terms of approach. The model was proposed using the grounded theory. Data were collected via the purposeful sampling method by performing open interviews with the managers of ten businesses in social networks. The data were analyzed by coding in three stages, including open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. Finally, the information was classified into six axial opportunity-related codes, including network nature, motivation opportunities, capacities for taking opportunities, distribution system opportunities, legal opportunities, and productivity opportunities, and into four challenge-related codes, including political, management, security, and market challenges. Also, the conceptual model of entrepreneurship opportunities and challenges in online social networks was provided.