The Conceptual Model: Contextualising Social Entrepreneurship

Abstract

This chapter presents the conceptual framework for describing the phenomenon of social value creation in social entrepreneurship. Following Gartner’s behavioural theory (Acad Manag Rev 10(4):696–706,1985; Entrep Theory Pract 13(4):47–68, 1988), ‘social entrepreneurship’ is conceptualised as a process of social value creation. It is conceptualised as a multidisciplinary and multidimensional concept like entrepreneurship. The five major dimensions are included in this social entrepreneurship model. These are as follows: first, capabilities of social entrepreneur/s; second, the social value which they create; third, opportunity identification; fourth, resourcefulness; and fifth, the context/environment, within which they operate. The most important dimension—‘social value creation’—occupies central position in the model. The other dimensions, which are capabilities of social entrepreneur/s, opportunity identification and resourcefulness, are directed towards the central position. There is also overlapping (interplay) between these dimensions, which is reflected in the process of social value creation. The model focuses on contextualising social entrepreneurship. Following Gartner’s behavioural theory (Acad Manag Rev 10(4):696–706,1985; Entrep Theory Pract 13(4):47–68, 1988), I conceptualise ‘social entrepreneurship’ as a process of social value creation. Social entrepreneurs perform a series of activities in order to create social value. They identify and exploit opportunities, mobilise resources, take decisions and actions based on their knowledge and judgement, provide services and respond to the government, market and society in order to achieve their social mission.