Proposing A Conceptual Model for Asnafpreneur Success: Social Networks and Resource Dependence in Low-Income Regions

This paper proposes a conceptual model integrating Social Network Theory (SNT) and Resource Dependence Theory (RDT) to examine the business performance of Asnafpreneurs—entrepreneurs from marginalized communities supported by zakat—in low-income regions. While Asnafpreneurs frequently rely on social networks to access resources, they face significant challenges, including limited network diversity and heavy dependency on external actors like zakat institutions for financial and operational support. The model presented in this study aims to demonstrate how optimizing social networks can help reduce resource dependency and improve business outcomes, such as revenue growth, sustainability, and entrepreneurial autonomy. To guide future empirical validation, the paper suggests a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative insights from in-depth interviews with quantitative measures, including social network analysis and structural equation modeling, to test the proposed relationships. This approach provides a roadmap for assessing the impact of social networks on business performance and understanding the mediating role of resource dependency. The findings contribute to the theoretical development of SNT and RDT by extending their application to marginalized entrepreneurship within a faith-based context. The paper also offers practical implications for policymakers and zakat institutions, providing strategies for designing more effective entrepreneurial support programs aimed at empowering Asnafpreneurs in low-income communities.