The Diverse Definitions of Social Entrepreneurship: The Underlying Issues

Abstract

Purpose. A lack of consensus regarding the definition of social entrepreneurship has caused confusion among students and researchers. The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical lens for theoreticians to make informed choices regarding their operational definition of this concept.Design/methodology approach. The paper traces the evolution of the practical and theoretical fields of social entrepreneurship. Thereafter the occurrence of multiple and often contrasting definitions is highlighted. In order to understand the conceptual underpinnings of the different definitions, the following issues are raised:Sould definitions be inclusive or exclusive? Is social entrepreneurship a subcategory of commercial entrepreneurship or is it a parallel one? Which facets of entrepreneurship behavior need to be deployed and what is the social mission? To illustrate these issues, the paper draws upon different definitions, with examples from the field of practice. In addition, it relates to the theoretical literature of commercial entrepreneurship. Thereafter follows a discussion that challenges prevailing definitions.Findings. The different possible responses can explain the diversity in definitions.A key finding is that the differing social enterprise and social innovation orientations may be rooted in alternative understandings of the relationship between social entrepreneurship and commercial entrepreneurship.Originality /value. The questions provide theoreticians with a unique and valuable prism to understand theoretical underpinnings of the different definitions of social entrepreneurship and enable them to make informed decisions regarding their operational definitions.