Effect of Kinship Network on Entrepreneurial Performance: Mediating role of Knowledge Sharing and Opportunity Recognition

Abstract

Kinship network is an important part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, especially in area where formal institutional support is weak. Prior research has not given much focus on the interaction between these sorts of networks, knowledge sharing practices, cognitive process underpinnings which support performance. This study aim to investigate the effect of  kinship network on entrepreneurial performance with mediating role of knowledge sharing and opportunity recognition. The universe for the present study consisted of all micro level enterprises that were registered with Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Peshawar). Two hundred (200) entrepreneurs as Unit of analysis were selected randomly. Hayes PROCESS Models 4 were employed to test the hypothesized direct and indirect relationships. The current research revealed that kinship networks have a strong positive effect on entrepreneurial performance. Moreover,  opportunity recognition was found to partially mediates the link between kinship network and entrepreneurial performance. The findings further confirmed that knowledge sharing is a strong mediator between kinship network and entrepreneurial performance. The study recommends that Ecosystem enablers including incubators and business development institutions should facilitate networking and mentorship opportunities that enhance opportunity recognition and promote effective knowledge sharing among entrepreneurs.

Kinship network is an important part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, especially in area where formal institutional support is weak. Prior research has not given much focus on the interaction between these sorts of networks, knowledge sharing practices, cognitive process underpinnings which support performance. This study aim to investigate the effect of  kinship network on entrepreneurial performance with mediating role of knowledge sharing and opportunity recognition. The universe for the present study consisted of all micro level enterprises that were registered with Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Peshawar). Two hundred (200) entrepreneurs as Unit of analysis were selected randomly. Hayes PROCESS Models 4 were employed to test the hypothesized direct and indirect relationships. The current research revealed that kinship networks have a strong positive effect on entrepreneurial performance. Moreover,  opportunity recognition was found to partially mediates the link between kinship network and entrepreneurial performance. The findings further confirmed that knowledge sharing is a strong mediator between kinship network and entrepreneurial performance. The study recommends that Ecosystem enablers including incubators and business development institutions should facilitate networking and mentorship opportunities that enhance opportunity recognition and promote effective knowledge sharing among entrepreneurs.