Title: Religion and Entrepreneurship through the Lens of the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Systematic Literature Review
Abstract
Entrepreneurship is a complex socio-economic phenomenon influenced by a myriad of factors, including individual beliefs, cultural contexts, and societal norms. Religion, as a significant aspect of human identity and culture, has been increasingly recognized as playing a vital role in shaping entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviors. This article systematically reviews existing literature on the relationship between religion and entrepreneurship through the lens of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). We analyze how religious beliefs and practices influence entrepreneurial intention and behavior, highlighting key factors that mediate this relationship. The findings underscore the interconnectedness of spiritual beliefs and entrepreneurial actions, suggesting avenues for further research in this emergent field.
1. Introduction
The intersection of religion and entrepreneurship has garnered attention in academic discourse over recent years, as scholars seek to understand how religious beliefs impact entrepreneurial intentions and actions. The Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991) serves as a robust framework for examining this relationship, positing that individuals’ intentions to engage in a behavior are shaped by their attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. This article aims to systematically review existing literature examining the interactions between religious influences and entrepreneurial outcomes through the TPB framework, providing insights into how beliefs shape entrepreneurial intent.
2. Methodology
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on peer-reviewed articles published until October 2023. Keywords included “religion,” “entrepreneurship,” “Theory of Planned Behavior,” and “entrepreneurial intention.” Inclusion criteria emphasized articles that explicitly connected religious beliefs to entrepreneurial behaviors and intentions, as well as those that utilized the TPB framework. The review followed PRISMA guidelines, ensuring a systematic approach to synthesis and analysis.
3. Theoretical Framework
The Theory of Planned Behavior posits that intention is the immediate antecedent of behavior, influenced by three primary components:
- Attitude toward the Behavior: This component reflects the individual’s overall evaluation of engaging in the behavior, influenced by personal beliefs and values.
- Subjective Norms: These norms refer to the perceived social pressure to engage or not engage in a behavior, shaped by cultural and social context.
- Perceived Behavioral Control: This reflects the perceived ease or difficulty of performing the behavior, influenced by past experiences and anticipated obstacles.
In the context of religion and entrepreneurship, these components can be influenced by religious teachings, community expectations, and personal spirituality.
4. Findings
4.1. Attitude toward Entrepreneurial Behavior
The literature indicates that religious beliefs significantly shape individuals’ attitudes toward entrepreneurship. For example, religious teachings that emphasize stewardship, work ethic, and community-serving entrepreneurship can positively influence attitudes toward starting businesses. Furthermore, religious individuals may view entrepreneurship not merely as a means of income generation but as a vocation that aligns with their spiritual values.
4.2. Subjective Norms
Religious communities often provide a supportive network that can enhance entrepreneurial intentions. Religious congregations can foster an environment where entrepreneurship is valued and encouraged, leading to stronger subjective norms favoring business endeavors. Conversely, certain religious beliefs may impose restrictions or doubts regarding entrepreneurial pursuits, reflecting concerns about ethical implications or the perceived materialism associated with business activities.
4.3. Perceived Behavioral Control
Religious training can enhance perceived self-efficacy among potential entrepreneurs. Skills developed through community involvement and religious education can empower individuals to pursue business opportunities. However, financial constraints often highlighted within religious contexts can hinder perceived behavioral control, shaping overall entrepreneurial intent.
5. Discussion
The intersection of religion and entrepreneurship through the lens of the Theory of Planned Behavior reveals complex dynamics. Religious beliefs and community norms showcase dual influences—both encouraging and constraining entrepreneurial behavior. This duality underlines the importance of context in evaluating the religious-entrepreneurship nexus. Future research could focus on cross-cultural comparisons, longitudinal studies tracking entrepreneurial intent over time, and a deeper exploration of the impact of specific religious doctrines on entrepreneurial behavior.
6. Conclusion
This systematic literature review underscores the intricate relationship between religion and entrepreneurship, illuminated through the Theory of Planned Behavior. It reveals the multifaceted ways that religious beliefs shape entrepreneurial intentions and provides a foundation for further scholarly exploration. Understanding these dynamics can offer insights for policymakers, educators, and religious leaders aiming to foster entrepreneurship while considering cultural and spiritual contexts.
References
(Note: References should include seminal and recent studies relevant to the topics discussed in the review. For actual use, academic citations would need to be provided from a comprehensive literature search.)
Disclaimer:
While this systematic literature review offers a synthesized overview, the nuanced relationship between religion and entrepreneurship is continuously evolving. Further empirical research is essential to deepen our understanding of these dynamics across diverse cultural landscapes.
Price: ₹8,628 - ₹8,197.00
(as of Apr 21, 2025 18:03:43 UTC – Details)
Research on religion and entrepreneurship has gained significant momentum, highlighting the strong connection between religious beliefs and individual career and business. However, the field lacks a comprehensive overview of the specific role religion plays in the entrepreneurial process. One of the leading theoretical frameworks for understanding behavioral processes is the theory of planned behavior (TPB), which has strong ties to entrepreneurship. Beyond using TPB to explain the entrepreneurial process, it also serves as an effective framework for organizing existing research on the intersection of entrepreneurship and religion. The objective of Religion and Entrepreneurship through the Lens of the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Systematic Literature Review is to categorize empirical studies on religion and entrepreneurship within the TPB framework, offering a comprehensive theoretical overview of religion’s role in the entrepreneurial process. In this context, we aim to address the following research question: How does religion influence the entrepreneurial process when viewed through the lens of the theory of planned behavior? To address this question, the authors conducted a systematic literature review and the findings reveal that the majority of these studies focus on how religion influences entrepreneurial attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Several positive effects of religion on entrepreneurial action are identified including enhanced attitudes such as resilience and altruism, as well as improved behavioral control through better access to resources and networks. However, there are also negative consequences, particularly in terms of limited access to financing for entrepreneurs and restrictive subjective norms arising from religious beliefs disproportionately affect women entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the authors emphasize the necessity for additional research on the role of religion in shaping entrepreneurial intentions, particularly concerning its influence on the gap between intentions and actions. The monograph is structured as follows: Section 2 introduces the systematic review methodology in terms of article identification, screening, and selection and provides a short introduction to TPB and its categories.Section 3 reviews and describes the existing literature for each TPB category. Finally, Section 4 interprets and discusses the results and highlights theoretical implications, limitations, and avenues for future research.
Publisher : Now Publishers (24 March 2025)
Language : English
Paperback : 98 pages
ISBN-10 : 163828508X
ISBN-13 : 978-1638285083
Item Weight : 154 g
Dimensions : 15.6 x 0.53 x 23.39 cm
Country of Origin : India
