Israr Qureshi

About me

Professor Israr Qureshi (also known as IQ) examines various dimensions of sustainability in his research. He is currently involved in multiple research projects that investigate various aspects of social value creation through social entrepreneurship and Information and Communication Technology for Sustainable Development (ICTSD). 

Israr Quresh
Professor of Entrepreneurship
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Professor of Entrepreneurship

Israr Qureshi

Israr's desire to contribute to society in general, with a particular interest in marginalized and disadvantaged communities, has inspired him to understand sustainability and pressing social issues from theoretical and practical viewpoints. While conscious of the negative impact of some business activity, Israr examines how ICTSD and social business models, if implemented with the intent of pursuing a ‘triple-bottom line’ and with the philosophy of ‘first do no harm,' might help address some of the more acute social issues through social value creation.

His research and extensive pro-bono collaborations with social enterprises and social ventures helps him understand the role that ICTSD and entrepreneurship play in transforming society.

Due to his interest in disadvantaged communities, he began to focus on ICT-enabled social entrepreneurship and social intermediation. When he started investigating social entrepreneurship in 2007, this field of study was in its infancy, and very little in-depth field research was available.

Through his research, Israr has learned that socially oriented organizations, such as social enterprises, have very different goals, motivations and approaches compared with typical for-profit organizations. Several mainstream organizational theories in their current forms fail to adequately explaining organizational activities and processes in the base of the pyramid contexts.

As Israr continued to explore this field, his research brought him to a number of developing countries where he examined the institutional structures present in different countries. He began to appreciate that institutional voids, defined broadly as either the lack of formal institutions or the presence of multiple informal institutions (at times with conflicting mandates), are more salient in base of the pyramid environments, where cultural norms, dogmas and traditions take precedence over rational economic choices and business models.

Israr’s research appeared in the multiple best paper proceedings of the Academy of Management and received three best paper awards. His research has been published in MIS QuarterlyJournal of Management StudiesJournal of ManagementOrganizational Research MethodsOrganization StudiesJournal of Organization Behavior, among others. Israr is a dedicated and passionate instructor.

He believes that learning in an academic environment is like a journey through a stream towards the vast ocean of knowledge.

While students travel down the stream, they will inevitably encounter rapids and waterfalls along the way. Overcoming these challenges makes individuals confident in their quest for knowledge. Professor Qureshi want his students to enjoy this journey, encouraging them to continue learning, even after graduation.

Academic background:

  • Doctorate from Richard Ivey School of Business, Canada
  • MBA in IT and eBusiness from the University of Western Ontario, Canada
  • MBA in general management Maastricht School of Management, The Netherlands
  • Master's in science from Rajasthan University, Indian Institute of Technology, India

Professional experience:

  • Field engineer, Halliburton Energy Services
  • Systems manager, Geological Survey of India
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