Developing Social Entrepreneurs and Social Innovators: A Social Identity and Self-Efficacy Approach

Abstract

Training social entrepreneurs and social innovators is becoming increasingly prevalent in business schools throughout the world, highlighting the need for effective pedagogical strategies. Drawing on social identity theory and research on self-efficacy, we present a social identity and self-efficacy approach to social entrepreneurship education that focuses on helping students develop identities as social entrepreneurs and gain confidence in their ability to effect positive social change. We share examples of pedagogical devices and related content that have been used in the classroom to reinforce such an approach, and we offer four case examples to demonstrate the significant impact group social entrepreneurship projects can have on both students and society. We also identify—and offer suggestions for overcoming—many of the potential challenges faced when attempting to teach social entrepreneurship and innovation in a university setting.