Islam-Friendly Entrepreneurship: The Case of Iran

Abstract

This paper examines the story of how the idea of entrepreneurship is spreading as a concept in Iranian society. We argue that problems associated with the translation of the concept into the Persian language may have contributed to its late introduction to Iran and the current misunderstandings about the concept that are prevalent among Iranians, both among the public and in the government. Our study provides insights into a paradigm shift that is occurring in the way Iranians view entrepreneurship. Once the linguistic misunderstandings are settled, we find that the Persian word “karafarini” presents a new, highly positive, and Islam-friendly conceptualization of entrepreneurship for Iranians that makes it widely acceptable for them.

Keywords: Iran, Entrepreneurship, Culture, Islam