Social Entrepreneurship Research Articles

Social media and entrepreneurial competence: the impact of Linkedin on boosting entrepreneurial engagement of Gen-Z

Research Objective: This study examines the impact of LinkedIn usage on entrepreneurial competence and engagement of Gen-Z aged between 18-27. Motivation: This study is motivated by the increased dependence young entrepreneurs have on social media as a channel for professional development and networking. The study builds on works of Banerji & Reimer, (2019) on start-up founders and their LinkedIn connections, Franc, Stampfl, & Geyer, (2024) worked-related learning on LinkedIn, and Vitelar (2019) on Gen-Z and the use of social media. Idea: This research tests the direct effect of the usage of LinkedIn on Gen-Z individuals' entrepreneurial competence and engagement. It assumes that high engagement in learning and networking activities on LinkedIn will be followed by an equivalent improvement in their entrepreneurial outcomes. In this research, the independent variables are the patterns of usage on LinkedIn, while the dependent variables are entrepreneurial competence and engagement. Data: The quantitative research methodology was adopted, and the survey was conducted through Google Forms among 350 Gen-Z users on the professional networking site LinkedIn. Tools: Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression analyses were used for the collected data. Findings: The results indicated that the different usage patterns—such as the frequency of login and engagement on LinkedIn Learning—had a significantly positive correlation with both entrepreneurial competence and engagement. Regression analysis pointed out entrepreneurial competence as one of the chief predictors for entrepreneurial engagement. Therefore, it is concluded that LinkedIn is quite instrumental in enhancing the entrepreneurial capacity of Gen-Z; it therefore gives relevant insights to entrepreneurs and the developers of this particular platform. Contribution: The paper thereby provides empirical evidence on the specific impact of LinkedIn on Gen-Z entrepreneurs, which enriches the literature of social media and entrepreneurship. Keywords: LinkedIn, Gen-Z, Entrepreneurial Competence, Social Media, Professional Networking.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL OF THE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN TUNISIA: THE MODERATING ROLE OF SOCIAL PERFORMANCE

Many researchers have investigated the reasons why some social entrepreneurs are more successful than others at leading businesses and fostering their growth in developed nations, but there have been few studies on the continent of Africa. This viewpoint is relevant to the study’s focus on Tunisia. This study analyzed the relationships between the psychological capital of social entrepreneurs and the performance of social enterprises. The purpose of this study was to examine the nexus between psychological capital, social performance and the economic performance of social enterprises. The study uses a quantitative approach based on questionnaires administered to 171 social entrepreneurs. Hypothesis testing was carried out using structural equation methods on PLS 4 software. The results confirm the positive effect of the social entrepreneur’s psychological capital on the economic performance of social enterprises. Social performance exerts a double positive effect on economic performance: A direct positive effect and an indirect positive effect by acting as a moderator on the relationship between the social entrepreneur’s psychological capital and the economic performance of social enterprises. The implication of the above findings is that psychological capital is a key determinant of the performance of enterprises. Thus, social entrepreneurs are encouraged to engage in activities that can boost their psychological capital.

Enhancing Social Work Education: Integrating Social Entrepreneurship Training into the Curriculum

Social enterprises and social entrepreneurs have garnered significant scholarly attention due to their potential for creating social, economic, and environmental impacts on communities. Despite their emergence, a disconnect exists between social work education and the training of social entrepreneurs. Social work education in India has evolved to address complex social issues such as poverty, inequality, and the welfare of marginalized communities, focusing on theoretical foundations and practical fieldwork. However, it often lacks emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and sustainable impact creation, which are crucial for social entrepreneurship. This paper argues that to bridge this gap, social work education must integrate social entrepreneurship principles into its curriculum. By offering courses and practical experiences that combine social work’s compassionate, community-focused approach with the dynamic, solution-oriented strategies of social entrepreneurship, social work education can better prepare future professionals to address current social issues and become leaders in creating sustainable social change.

Exploring the influence of contextual factors on social entrepreneurial intentions: A study of generation Z

With the increasing trend of social entrepreneurship intention research, the literature is majorly fragmented into examining the influence of individual personality level factors. Little attention has been given to the role of contextual factors which affect the social entrepreneurial intention process. The purpose of the study is to explore the inter-relationships between contextual factors i.e., perceived support and perceived barriers with social entrepreneurship intentions of Generation Z in the presence of theory of planned behaviour. Data was collected from 610 students in undergraduate and postgraduate courses. PLS-SEM 4.0 was used for the analysis. PLSpredict and IPMA were employed. Results of our study highlights the significant positive impact of perceived support and negative impact of perceived barriers on social entrepreneurial intentions. Theory of planned behaviour holds different significant as a mediator for both the contextual factors. Majority of the current body of literature on social entrepreneurship has focused on testing intentions of older generations. Therefore, empirically testing the impact of contextual factors (combined) from entrepreneurship support system framework on social entrepreneurial intentions among the Generation Z in a developing economy context provides valuable insights.

From classroom to community: the impact of mindset, passion, and grit on academic self-efficacy and social entrepreneurship in gifted and non-gifted students

From classroom to community: the impact of mindset, passion, and grit on academic self-efficacy and social entrepreneurship in gifted and non-gifted students

Exploring the Institutional and Personal Determinants of Social Entrepreneurial Intentions: A Cross-Country Analysis

In this dynamic world with complex social, ecological, and economic problems, social entrepreneurship has emerged as a beacon of hope since the beginning of this century. The present study analyzes personal and country-level institutional antecedents of social entrepreneurial intentions (SEI) among business students of universities in Bangladesh, Malaysia, Romania and the USA. Our surveys resulted in a total of 788 valid responses (precisely 148 respondents from the USA, 242 from Romania, 213 from Malaysia, and 185 from Bangladesh). The research findings demonstrate that personal factors such as prior hardship in life and prior entrepreneurial experience are significant predictors of SEI, across the four country samples. From the institutional perspective, perceived social support has a positive influence on SEI in all the country samples except the USA, while entrepreneurial knowledge has a positive influence on SEI in the USA, Malaysia, and Bangladesh samples but not in the Romanian sample. However, the regulatory volatility does not affect SEI in any of the country samples except Bangladesh, where it has a positive impact.

Booksellers as placemakers: Innovative roles of independent booksellers in high street retailing

High street vitality and viability has been a long-standing topic in UK research and policy debates. While the presence and role of the independent retailer is discussed in the associated academic literature, specific consideration of independent bookstores has been lacking, given their perceived position as a special type of retailer within the high street ecosystem. There is, to date, very limited knowledge regarding booksellers’ contributions to high street vitality and viability. We explore the role(s) of booksellers by demonstrating how they can help drive the vitality and viability of their high streets in the UK and Ireland – identifying booksellers as social entrepreneurs, value co-creators, multifunctional initiators and speciality anchors. As such, their placemaking activities extend far beyond retailing. We argue that by assuming such innovative roles, placemaking efforts undertaken by booksellers can catalyse town centre transformation and contribute to revitalisation.

Organizational Transformation at Desa Berdaya Foundation (Lokadesa) through a Social Entrepreneurship Approach to Foster Local Entrepreneurs within the Framework of Achieving SDGs 8.3

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to explore the organizational transformation of the Desa Berdaya Foundation through a social entrepreneurship approach to foster local entrepreneurs contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8.3. The social entrepreneurship approach is deemed relevant to enhance the sustainability and social impact of the foundation in empowering village communities Research Methodology: This study employs a qualitative method that utilizes data collection techniques such as in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. Results: The research findings indicate that organizational transformation at the Desa Berdaya Foundation involves four main stages: reframing, restructuring, revitalization, and renewal. In the reframing stage, the foundation adjusts its vision and mission to focus on the development of the food sector as key to economic empowerment in villages. The restructuring stage involves the reorganization of the organizational structure to be more efficient and effective in achieving new goals. Revitalization focuses on enhancing team competencies through intensive training and mentoring in the agricultural field. The renewal stage involves the adoption of an integrated farming system to improve productivity and resource efficiency. This transformation has proven to be successful in creating an environment that supports the growth of local entrepreneurs. The improvement in competencies and strategic adjustments of the foundation have increased economic independence in the villages, aligning with SDGs 8.3, which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Recommendation: The research recommends ongoing evaluation of the implemented transformation strategies and strengthening partnerships with various stakeholders to achieve a broader social impact. This study contributes significantly to the literature on social entrepreneurship and non-profit organizational management in the context of village community empowerment.

Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development: the Creation of a Digital Platform Dedicated to Resource Sharing: Moroccan Case Study

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate and analyze the role of digital social entrepreneurship in achieving sustainable development goals, with a deep focus on the creation of a digital platform for resource sharing. Theoretical Framework: The study is based on the concepts of social entrepreneurship and sustainable development, emphasizing their role in addressing social and environmental challenges such as climate change and inequality, while leveraging digitalization to maximize impact. Method: A quantitative study was conducted with 134 participants to examine the impact of digital social entrepreneurship on sustainable development. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire distributed through a non-probability snowball sampling method. Results and Discussion: The results demonstrate how the creation of a resource-sharing platform can exemplify digital social entrepreneurship. By connecting individuals and organizations for the sharing of materials, skills, and knowledge, the platform fosters the sharing economy, reduces waste, and promotes community cooperation. These outcomes contribute to the achievement of various sustainable development goals. Research Implications: The findings provide insights into the practical application of digital platforms in promoting sustainability and social entrepreneurship. They suggest that technology can be effectively harnessed to address global challenge. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by illustrating how digital social entrepreneurship can serve as a powerful tool for sustainable development. Its originality lies in the innovative approach of combining technology with social problem-solving to drive socio-economic and environmental progress.

The social entrepreneurship value cycle: generation, appropriation, devolution and transformation of sustainable value

Purpose Social entrepreneurship literature emphasizes the creation of social value for society from three main concepts – generation, appropriation and devolution - that form a value cycle. This paper aims to analyse how social enterprises operationalize this cycle to create positive social impact. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a multi-case approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with founders of Brazilian social enterprises. Findings This study empirically supports the existence of the value cycle and identifies an additional stage –value transformation – emerging from the data. While the initial three stages occur within social enterprises, value transformation unfolds within served communities. This stage not only facilitates the conversion of value types (e.g. social to economic or environmental) but also stimulates the formation of new social enterprises. Consequently, this paper proposes a comprehensive social entrepreneurship value cycle encompassing generation, appropriation, devolution and transformation of value. Originality/value This paper contributes to clarifying concepts and mitigating theoretical ambiguities surrounding social value creation in the context of social entrepreneurship. It provides a framework for understanding the underlying principles of each stage in the value cycle, thereby empowering scholars and practitioners to enhance the innovative mission of social enterprises and drive social change within underserved communities.

Analysis of good practices of social impact measurement: the social balance sheet developed by the Spanish network of the social and solidarity economy

Purpose This study aims to analyse the good practices developed by the Spanish Social and Solidarity Network (one of the leading networks in the country) regarding its social balance sheet, created under the perspective of social and solidarity principles. This social balance sheet is implemented by its members for their self-evaluation. Design/methodology/approach By using a qualitative methodology based on triangulation, which includes a semi-structured interview with the manager of the social audit commission, the main good practices associated with this initiative of social impact measurement are attained. Moreover, two organisations implementing the social balance sheet have been analysed to obtain a complete perspective of the tool and the process developed by the network. Findings The main findings include: the social balance sheet dimensions are based on the social and solidarity principles, which enable companies to analyse the compliance of their activity with their philosophy; cooperation is crucial for the success of the tool; the efforts made by the network involve a range of different behaviours, all shared and published on social networks and the internet for free to diffuse the good practices of social impact measurement. Originality/value This research contributes to the literature on social entrepreneurship and social impact measurement by analysing the good practices regarding a social balance sheet, designed under the social and solidarity philosophy, whose procedure can serve as a reference for any other representative institutions or practitioners. From this view, this initiative can be considered a social innovation itself since it constitutes a step towards transforming society through the quantification of business activity from a more social perspective and through a process of participative governance by all the stakeholders involved.

Impact assessment of social entrepreneurship

The purpose of the article is to elucidate the main methodological and normative aspects in assessing the impact of the activity of social enterprises in the Republic of Moldova. The methodological approach is based on the PDCA quality management cycle and the role of the monitoring and evaluation function in the managerial cycle of any activity. Currently, in the Republic of Moldova, the social entrepreneurship activity is at the embryonic stage of development. Thus, in order to boost the development of this sector and achieve the desired economic and social impact, there is a need to increase the quality of managerial procedures both at the macro level – that of sectoral public policies, and at the micro level – that of the management of social enterprises. In the process of evaluating the impact of social entrepreneurship, the author relies not only on the economic and social effects, but also on the principles of sustainable development.

Entrepreneurial Innovation and Economic Development: Historical and Modern Perspectives

Entrepreneurship, a cornerstone of economic development and innovation, involves identifying and exploiting opportunities through new ventures. This paper delves into the evolution of entrepreneurship, its components, processes, and various forms, while also discussing strategies for entrepreneurial success. From historical perspectives provided by Cantillon, Say, and Schumpeter to modern concepts such as social and biosphere entrepreneurship, the paper offers a holistic view. It also highlights the importance of an enabling ecosystem comprising government support, educational institutions, and financial entities, emphasizing the need for effective risk management and strategic planning.

The Effect of Socialisation on Housewives' Knowledge in Understanding Social Entrepreneurship

Social entrepreneurship is one of the effective ways to overcome social problems and empower the local economy, especially among housewives. This community service aims to socialise and improve the knowledge of housewives in Kadudampit Village, Sukabumi, regarding social entrepreneurship and evaluate their interest in engaging in social enterprises. This community service activity was conducted through several stages, including counselling, group discussions, and simulations. The results showed a significant improvement in participants' understanding of social entrepreneurship, with 85% showing a better experience and 60% expressing interest in starting a social enterprise. Despite barriers such as limited capital and technical knowledge, participants felt encouraged to contribute to social-based economic development in their villages. Follow-up recommendations include mentoring programmes and facilitating access to financing to ensure the sustainability of the planned social enterprises.

The Analysis Factors Influencing the Implementation of Digital Social Entrepreneurship Application in Learning Engineering Education Using Structural Equation Modelling

A big part of being an entrepreneur is keeping up with modern technological advancements. However, many factors can lead to the ambition to launch an online company. Digital social entrepreneurship methodology examines the effects of college students' entrepreneurial mindset, smartphone usage habits, and Locus of Control on their digital business intentions. This research is fundamental because it provides information to universities that they can use to evaluate their plans for a digital-based entrepreneurship learning model that will help them provide a good education. This study involved 428 respondents, and the data obtained from the respondents were examined using the application of structural equation modeling with a survey approach for this research, which looks at a small portion of the community and collects data through questionnaires. The primary data was examined using SmartPLS 4.0 software and structural equation modeling. This study found that having an entrepreneurial mindset, smartphone use, and locus of control exerts a substantial and meaningful impact on one's aspiration to become a digital entrepreneur. We wanted to find out how college students' thinking about being an entrepreneur affects their desire to become a digital entrepreneur, using smartphone usage habits and locus of control as influencing factors. To make someone who wants to become an entrepreneur, this research needs to measure Digital Entrepreneurial Intention appropriately in students who take Entrepreneurship courses.

Bibliometric Analysis of the Growth and Challenges of Digital Entrepreneurship

This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of the growth and challenges in digital entrepreneurship, synthesizing key findings from influential research in the field. The analysis identifies major trends such as the integration of digital technologies in entrepreneurship education, the critical role of big data, and the transformation of innovation processes. It highlights how entrepreneurial ecosystems and financial innovations, such as microfinance and crowdfunding, have enabled broader access to resources for digital entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Emerging themes, including social entrepreneurship, gender inclusivity, and the use of digital platforms by women entrepreneurs, reveal the shifting focus toward more inclusive and socially responsible business models. The study concludes by discussing the dynamic nature of digital entrepreneurship and the importance of developing supportive ecosystems to address the ongoing challenges of digital transformation and global competition.

Crowdfunding care in Kenya

ABSTRACT Crowdfunding to support personal and medical needs has risen in popularity in recent years. Many sociologists are critical of needy individuals’ turn to online fundraising, seeing it as a response to deficits in health care and social protection, and arguing that it may widen social inequalities. Most of these studies have taken place in the United States, China, and Great Britain. This paper explores crowdfunding in sub-Saharan Africa, offering us an opportunity to rethink the context and value of crowdfunding and its relationship to family and friend networks, philanthropy, and charity. It also examines how online crowdfunding relates to cultural ideas about dependency and care. Based on my ethnographic fieldwork at the Nairobi crowdfunding platform M-Changa conducted from 2016 to 2021, I describe how social entrepreneurs, women, and NGO representatives raise money for philanthropic initiatives, medical and education costs, family rituals, and COVID-19 relief. The paper reveals the diverse financial relationships, identities and goals emerging on the platform. Reflecting on this diversity of caring finance, this paper then explores the ambiguous commercial, social, and political potentials of crowdfunding as peer-based digital finance in the Global South.

The Logic, Dilemma and Countermeasures of the Transformation of College Students' Volunteerism to Social Entrepreneurship

With the development and progress of the times, college students' voluntary service presents a new trend from traditional non-profit activities to social entrepreneurship. This is not only a reflection of the social responsibility and innovative spirit of college students, but also plays a role in promoting the innovation and development of the whole society. However, there are still many challenges in this process. The transformation of college students' volunteering to social entrepreneurship is a long-term and complex process, so it is necessary to promote the healthy and orderly development of college students' volunteering work through a variety of ways. The article discusses the logic, dilemmas and countermeasures of the transformation of college students' volunteering to social entrepreneurship for the reference of relevant people.

Making sense of social enterprises' crisis preparedness and development of composite index for its assessment

AbstractSocial enterprises are organizations that make society more resilient, but at the same time they have their own vulnerabilities and are threatened by a number of factors that can throw them into a crisis. Nevertheless, a crisis in social enterprises and their crisis preparedness are not topics that the literature adequately deals with. The aim of this mixed method research is to identify how social entrepreneurs make sense of crisis preparedness, and how to measure it. The qualitative part of the research shows that there are five key themes that are perceived by social entrepreneurs when it comes to crisis preparedness in the context of social enterprises' specifics: Crisis preparedness as a prevention against mission drift, as a necessity when working with disadvantaged employees, as a path toward greater financial stability, as a “helper” in a changing legislative environment, and as a response to a fragile organizational structure. Combining these findings with the literature review, composite Perceived Threats Index (PTI) and Crisis Preparedness Index (CPI) are constructed. Using correlation and regression analysis and hypothesis testing, we validate them and confirm relationship between geographical scope of social enteprises and crisis preparedness as well as between latter and perceived threats.

Social Entrepreneurship Practices: The Example of Ahi Organization

In this study, the relations between social entrepreneurship and the Ahilik Organization were examined in the context of the practices implemented in the Ahilik Organization, which has an important place in Turkish history. In the first part of the study, the concept of social entrepreneurship was explained, and in the second part, the Ahilik Organization was discussed in detail. The third part evaluated the practices implemented in order to explain the relationship between the two structures in terms of similarities and differences. Among the most important findings of the study is that every Ahi is also a social entrepreneur, but not every social entrepreneur is also an Ahi. In addition, it was emphasized that the value-based practices implemented by these institutions should be an example for today's civil society organizations. Key Words: Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship, Ahi Order, Ahi Organization JEL Classification: I25, L26, L31