An analysis of the relationship between social capital, social networks and intrapreneurship in the entrepreneurship process

The realization of economic development is closely related to the importance given to entrepreneurship. Today, it can be observed that especially developing countries utilize policies in order to encourage entrepreneurship and provide support for prospective entrepreneurs through governmental authorities. One of the most important reasons of this is the heightened level of awareness regarding the significance of entrepreneurship. Apart from the state, entrepreneurs also bear certain responsibilities. Although entrepreneurs' sphere of influence used to be confined to their local environment in the past, entrepreneurs have become actors who directly influence both their local environments and national and international markets via their social networks. Thus, every entrepreneur is a possible international player in the game. Consequently, entrepreneurs' social networks have a direct effect on their performances in the entrepreneurship process. In today's world, it is an obvious fact that financial capital alone is not sufficient for entrepreneurial success. Entrepreneurs have to develop their social capital so that their ventures will continue to exist. In this study, the relationship between social capital, social networks and intrapreneurship was analyzed and inferences were made through the framework of social capital and social network theories.