Opportunity recognition and exploitation in resource-scarce contexts: the role of relational capital and bricolage in African social enterprise

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to provide empirical evidence of the mediating influence of bricolage on the relationship between relational capital (RC) and entrepreneurial opportunity recognition and exploitation among social enterprises (SEs) located in Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. Data were collected from a sample of 151 SEs and the results highlight that opportunity recognition and exploitation are significantly and positively affected by relational capital. These relationships are reinforced by the mediating and positive effect of entrepreneurial bricolage. This is the first empirical study to examine the linkages between RC and opportunity recognition and exploitation in SEs. SEs need to recognise the importance of relational capital in supporting the recognition and exploitation of opportunities. They should also be aware that these relationships, in a resource-scarce environment, can be strengthened by an entrepreneur’s ability to adopt bricolage. Theoretical and practical contributions are also offered.