Social Entrepreneurship Research Articles

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

Social entrepreneurial ecosystems in Euroregions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to extend the knowledge of social entrepreneurial ecosystems and test their effect on social entrepreneurial activity in a cross-border context. Design/methodology/approach The current research used the fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis method on a sample of 4,357 cross-border cooperation (CBC) projects implemented between 2014 and 2020, spread over 40 Euroregions. Findings Single ecosystem elements can be sufficient conditions but with a limited effect on cross-border social entrepreneurship. Configurations of ecosystem elements can be necessary conditions with synergetic effects. A geographical pattern was identified in the spread of configurations across Europe. Research limitations/implications Geographical, quantitative and project data constraints exist. The authors call for research into synergies between ecosystem elements in cross-border contexts and ecosystem patterns across Europe. Practical implications Policymakers, their cross-border counterparts and Euroregions could coordinate their efforts to improve ecosystems’ impact and involve social entrepreneurs to scale impact in neighboring countries. Social implications Involving social entrepreneurs in CBC projects will show how social impact in one country can be valuable for solving issues in the neighboring country. This will increase the valuation of innovative solutions, create opportunities for scaling social impact and contribute to the European (EU) Cohesion Policy. Originality/value The study uses a novel approach by investigating the effect of social entrepreneurial ecosystems in Euroregions on social entrepreneurial activity in a cross-border context. The study shows that the impact of social entrepreneurial ecosystems does not stop at the country’s borders.

The Impact of Social Entrepreneurship on Market Mavericks: A Meta-Analysis

Numerous studies on the topic of social entrepreneurship and businesses have yielded a wide range of findings and publications. The purpose of this research is to provide a synopsis of previous work on this topic and to identify where the field is now and where it is heading. Consequently, the research on social entrepreneurship's potential to transform businesses was the subject of a bibliometric analysis. Several methods were employed in our search of the SCOPUS database, such as authors, study kinds, and keywords. Articles from different authors, institutions, and even nations are all part of this study's scope. There are several analysis applications used in bibliometric research, including VOS viewer (for data visualization) and Bibilomagika 2.2 (for frequency). Using the terms "social entrepreneurship" and "business" as search terms, 1272 publications were located between 2020 and 2024. The time frame of this research is five years. Most of the articles exhibit a pattern with both a growth and a fall, according to the analysis. But there will be a rise of 359 in 2023. With a total of 12 articles (0.94%) authored by Ratten, Vanessa was the most productive author in this study. The US, India, UK, Spain, and China are the most common bases for publications. Between the two journals, Sustainability (Switzerland) has published 93 papers and Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies has published 48. Research, national contributions, famous writers, and the most active journals on the subject can be better understood with the use of this study. The data collected can serve as a foundation for academics to fill knowledge gaps and chart a course for the field's future.

The Rise of Social Entrepreneurship

In recent decades, the concept of social entrepreneurship has emerged as a dynamic and impactful force in addressing pressing social and environmental challenges. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the rise of social entrepreneurship, exploring its origins, evolution, and current state. Drawing on a review of scholarly literature, case studies, and empirical research, we examine the defining characteristics of social entrepreneurship and the factors driving its growth. Our analysis reveals that social entrepreneurship represents a paradigm shift in the way we conceptualize the role of business in society. Unlike traditional entrepreneurship, which focuses primarily on profit maximization, social entrepreneurship integrates social and environmental objectives into its core mission. Through innovative business models, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to sustainable impact, social entrepreneurs are addressing systemic issues such as poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and access to essential services.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

The traditional image of entrepreneurship revolves around innovation, disruption and value creation. However, today’s business environment recognizes the growing importance of social responsibility. This article examines the interplay between entrepreneurship and social responsibility. We delve into the concept of social entrepreneurship, explore the benefits of incorporating social responsibility into any entrepreneurial strategy, and explore ways entrepreneurs can make a positive impact. Keywords:Social Responsibility, Social Entrepreneurship, Sustainable business, Ethical business, Corporate social responsibility (CSR), Social impact, Cause marketing.

The Influence of Social Entrepreneurship Orientation on The Sustainability of Tourism Villages Through Community Empowerment

The Influence of Social Entrepreneurship Orientation on The Sustainability of Tourism Villages Through Community Empowerment

Using innovation and entrepreneurship for creating edge in service firms: A review research of tourism and hospitality industry

This paper aims to inform policy and research in the domain of tourism and hospitality on the role of innovation and entrepreneurship. The paper applies the review research methodology to collate, comprehend, and synthesise 139 papers selected through a standard procedure. Our findings show that innovation drives growth and value in new tourism and hospitality firms. The study examines external factors, particularly government policies, influencing industry stakeholders’ entrepreneurial orientation and the macroeconomic environment affecting entrepreneurial activities. It also highlights the importance of social entrepreneurship in industry innovation and sustainability. This article emphasises the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in tourism and hospitality growth, value creation, and social and environmental issues.

Factors influencing persons with disabilities perception in entrepreneurship: The mediating effect of entrepreneurial motivation

Disability inclusion is important to ensure everybody has the same opportunities in society, which is critical in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are one of the marginalized communities and most of them are living in poverty. Disabilities encounter many challenges internally and externally due to their disabilities. They are struggling to keep their jobs due to their own self-confidence and social stigma and entrepreneurship is said to be the best option for PWDs to gain economic liberation. However, many PWDs still depend on government assistance and public donations instead of starting their own business. This study investigates the mediating effect of entrepreneurial motivation on the relationship between internal and external factors of PWDs’ perceptions of entrepreneurship in Malaysia. A quantitative approach to the survey was carried out. A sample of seventy-seven PWDs was gathered using face-to-face and online surveys through purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using structural equation modelling. The results show that only internal factors influence PWDs’ entrepreneurial personal perception. Entrepreneurial motivation plays a crucial mediating role in the relationship between internal and external factors and entrepreneurial personal perception. The study is helpful for the relevant parties to assist PWDs in becoming financially independent through entrepreneurship by focusing more on their internal strengths. Proper training and coaching assist PWDs in being more resilient when facing adversity.

Asan Cups: navigating blue oceans in menstrual hygiene sustainability

Learning outcomes After completion of the case study, students will be able to understand the format of for-profit social enterprise working for menstrual hygiene sustainability and its contribution toward U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, to appreciate the company’s alignment with the triple bottom line framework, to analyze the blue ocean mechanism that the company has developed to create an impact and to critique the strategies the Asan Cups company could adopt to increase its market share and growth. Case overview/synopsis Asan Cups was a for-profit social enterprise founded by Ira Guha in 2021. The company crafted reusable menstrual cups from liquid silicone, sporting a patented design in India, the UK, Europe and the USA. Successfully retailing its products in India, the UK and Europe, Asan Cups operated on a bootstrap model with a compact team of four, led by its visionary founder. From the get-go, the company embraced a compelling 1-for-1 donation initiative. For every cup sold, Asan Cups generously donated another to women who could not afford it. Collaborating with nongovernmental organizations, schools, educational institutions and social workers, the company spearheaded campaigns to heighten menstrual hygiene awareness. This proactive approach aimed to boost the acceptance of menstrual cups among rural women and championed the cause of environmental sustainability. The company did not just stop at providing an eco-friendly alternative. Asan Cups fervently educated the masses on the detrimental environmental impact of traditional disposable period products like sanitary pads and tampons. Fast-forwarding to 2023, Asan Cups had garnered approximately 30,000 users, with the adoption rate steadily climbing. The company strategically used an education-intensive model to foster awareness about period products in collaboration with partners nationwide. However, being a for-profit entity, the founder, Guha, was at a crossroads. Balancing the need for profitability, there was mounting pressure to explore additional revenue streams and expand operations and market reach. The dilemma loomed large: opt for a quicker marketing strategy or stay true to the company’s foundational education-centered approach. This case study delves into the dynamic strategies, impactful operations and growth scenarios Asan Cups navigated since its inception. It examines the pivotal choices faced by the founder and explores potential strategies for sustained growth. Complexity academic level This case study can be used at both undergraduate and master’s levels. The case study will be handy for strategic management and business strategy courses and can also be used for social entrepreneurship, marketing and entrepreneurship courses. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy.

The implications of the EU cohesion policy instruments and cross-border cooperation projects on social entrepreneurship in Euroregions

The current paper investigates the implications of the EU Cohesion Policy instrument Interreg through the implementation of cross-border cooperation projects on social entrepreneurship. Cross-border cooperation projects are implemented in Euroregions and invest in new knowledge and innovative solutions in policy priorities spread over social, environmental, and economic domains. Policy priorities in social and environmental domains overlap fields of play where social entrepreneurs operate. We build on the Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship and use a quantitative design to investigate the influence of EU-funded cross-border cooperation projects on the number of social enterprises in Luxembourg. We employed a rolling window analysis with ARIMA on a sample of 207 cross-border cooperation projects implemented between 2000 and 2020. We predicted social entrepreneurial activity in Euroregions in Luxembourg using investments through the EU Cohesion Policy in the social, environmental, and economic domains and identified a positive relationship in the social domain. The current study shows that investments in the social domain positively and significantly predict social entrepreneurial activity, supporting the critical role of the EU Cohesion Policy on social entrepreneurship. Our study discusses how social entrepreneurship can benefit from EU cross-border cooperation projects as recipients of potential knowledge spillovers.

Social Entrepreneurship in the Japanese Context Through the Lens of a Social Entrepreneur’s Experience

Social entrepreneurship (SE) demand has increased globally, highlighting the importance of understanding the activities and processes involved to enhance entrepreneurial awareness and social well-being. This study examines the experience of a social entrepreneur in Japan who manages twin parenting and transportation, aiming to clarify the development of social entrepreneurial competency. The entrepreneur’s eight-year state-up experience was shared through a book in 2022, a narrative lecture observed in November 2023, and interviews conducted in April and May 2024. These data were analyzed using Trajectory Equifinality Modeling (TEM). Throughout the creation of a bicycle for parents of twins, the entrepreneur faced conflicts with a partner during the prototype development and created a community for parents of twins through SNS and face-to-face events. The effectuation in these processes considers the essence of who you are, what you know, and whom you know. The entrepreneur focused on affordable loss, partnership creation, and maintaining flexibility despite unexpected challenges. She overcame these issues by studying social welfare at a university and business at community learning schools. Twin bicycles are a tool not only for transportation, but also for life. They are a symbol of an open-free mind given the constraints of society and are joyful in their own warm place for twin children, parents, and their communities.

The Efficient Applicability Limits of Social Entrepreneurship

The efficiency of social entrepreneurship depends on the ability of social enterprises to be sustainable. So, this paper implies deriving the efficient applicability limits of social entrepreneurship in terms of their sustainability. The more sustainable a social enterprise is, the wider its efficient applicability limits are. So, it's a novel approach towards studying the efficiency of social enterprises and the limits of their efficient applicability. The case study approach is used to estimate these limits, and three social enterprises are taken for this analysis, namely, APOPO, Benetech and Conserve. The insights of this paper suggest that the burden on social enterprises should be dosed, because their viability depends, in most part, on implementing the respective social policy. Under the excessive burden on social enterprises they could be destroyed, whereas under the insufficient burden some of their capacities could be idle, and that would suggest that they are inefficient. Eight factors of increasing the efficient applicability limits of social entrepreneurship (namely the state support of social enterprises, the aid provided for social enterprises by the private sponsors, the support for social enterprises provided by the international organizations, the support for social enterprises provided by the external sources of loan and emission financing, creation of special economic zones in different innovation centres, in which social enterprises are formed, using social enterprises as sub-contractors of the private business in the process of social outsourcing, the position of public opinion towards social entrepreneurship, the strategy of designing and marketing the products of social enterprises) were derived. The measures of the state support, enlarging the efficient applicability limits of social enterprises are provided. Also, the creation of special economic zones in the innovation centres, in which social enterprises are formed, is proposed, as well as the mechanism of subsidizing social enterprises by the state and creating some special conditions for the microfinance and social stock markets as the main external sources of financing social enterprises are suggested.

Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneur as Mechanisms for Environmental Sustainability Impact in Malaysia: An Exploratory Case Study Perspective

Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneur as Mechanisms for Environmental Sustainability Impact in Malaysia: An Exploratory Case Study Perspective

COVID-19 as an advantage or a disaster? Crisis and change management strategies of Hong Kong social entrepreneurs during the pandemic

PurposeA qualitative approach based on grounded theory was utilized, with data collected through 26 semi-structured interviews with social entrepreneurs. Alas’s Triangular Model provided the framework for data analysis and interpretation.Design/methodology/approachThis study explores how Hong Kong social enterprises approached crisis and change management during the COVID-19 pandemic, examining their resilience-building strategies.FindingsThe pandemic triggered an existential crisis for many social enterprises, causing severe revenue losses. However, strong leadership and cultures based on social mission enabled resilience. Enterprises demonstrated agility by rapidly transitioning operations online and establishing partnerships. Technology adaptation and social innovation were pivotal to sustaining impact.Research limitations/implicationsAs the sample comprises enterprises that survived the pandemic, insights into failed enterprises are lacking. Comparative analysis could illuminate differences in crisis response between successful and unsuccessful cases.Practical implicationsThe study’s practical implications suggest that social enterprises should focus on developing flexible crisis management plans, cultivating purposeful leadership, embracing digital transformation, strengthening collaborative networks and prioritizing organizational learning to effectively navigate crises while staying true to their social missions.Social implicationsFindings demonstrate how shared values and cultures grounded in purpose can anchor organizations amidst upheaval, fostering resilience. This underscores the role of social enterprises in modeling responsiveness to societal needs.Originality/valueWhile research has examined social enterprises’ vulnerability in crises, investigation into their crisis management practices is limited. This study enriches understanding of how social enterprises effectively navigate turbulence.

POLICY ANALYSIS OF HUMAN FACTORS AND SOCIAL INNOVATION IN EU EASI PROGRAMME REPORTS (2015-2022)

Purpose. The Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI), launched by the EU (European Union), represents a financial instrument with the objective of addressing a range of policy analysis areas, as follows: (I) social protection and innovation; (II) social exclusion and social policies; (III) living and working conditions; and (IV) employment, job conditions, mobility, and social entrepreneurship settings under the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). Objectives. Therefore, the current research aims to structure and analyse in a comparative framework a wide range of EU policies and governance applied to the EaSI reports launched in the period 2015-2022, considering the policy context, key actors, policy content, legal instruments, implementation and governance structures and impact assessment of societal challenges, the role of human factors and the need for social innovation. Methodology. The analysis utilises both quantitative and qualitative methods, building on the comparative legal analysis and developing a triple evaluation: social, economic and political. In order to monitor and review the policy outcomes contained in the EaSI reports, the current study will use the Text-Based Diagramming of the programme Mermaid v10.9.0 Live Editor. Results and findings. The results of the analysis will evaluate and measure the extent to which the three EaSI reports launched in the period 2015-2022 have met the requirements of social innovation by assessing the policy and governance implementation mechanisms and tracking the relevance of two determinants: EU societal challenges and human factors. Conclusion. The framework of the EaSI reports provides the evaluation findings on multi-level policy and strategy approaches and summarises the findings and broader perspectives of the three reports on the effectiveness of social innovation governance. The research findings highlight the societal challenges in the EU, the interdisciplinary circumstances and the evidence-based interplay between the policy framework and the adaptability of multi-level governance.

Catalysts of social change and innovation: Mediating role of social self-efficacy and social support on social entrepreneurial intentions

There has been a recent surge in social entrepreneurship to address pressing social problems. Social ventures drive positive change and reshape traditional business norms by providing innovative solutions and fostering inclusive growth. Social entrepreneurial intention (SEI) is crucial to studying social entrepreneurship since it sheds light on the underlying motivations and factors that drive people to engage in social enterprise. The study examines empathy, moral obligation, perceived social support, social self-efficacy, risk-taking motive, and innovativeness as determinants of SEI. Data collected through an online questionnaire from 349 commerce and management students were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Results reveal a significant influence of social self-efficacy, perceived social support, risk-taking motive, and innovativeness on SEI. Notably, the results highlight an indirect influence of empathy and moral obligation on SEI mediated by social self-efficacy and perceived social support. The study also reveals how social vision and social proactiveness relate to social self-efficacy. The findings have significant implications for encouraging social entrepreneurship. Policymakers and educators may use these insights to develop specific activities that assist prospective social entrepreneurs by enhancing the attributes that affect their desire to establish social ventures.

Gram India: Scaling Up a Social Enterprise

This case focuses on Amrita Sharma, a social entrepreneur and the challenges her team faces in managing the social enterprise Gram India. Gram India is the marketing division of Parnana Parnani Education Society, which offers free education and employment opportunities to rural Indian women. Established as a Limited Liability Partnership on 18 December 2015, Gram India specializes in embroidery and offers products, such as handicrafts, suit covers, incense sticks and rural BPO services. The corporate office is in Jaipur, Rajasthan and the production centre is in Newai, Rajasthan. Gram India strives to balance two main objectives as a social enterprise: creating social value by employing rural women and achieving financial sustainability through sufficient revenue generation. However, several challenges impede their path to self-sustainability. These challenges include over-dependence on a single customer, the physical distance between the office and production centre, labour issues, funding uncertainties, distribution channel choices, staff management and inventory handling. After four successful years, Amrita and her team are contemplating strategies to ensure Gram India’s long-term sustainability. They need to devise effective plans to overcome these obstacles and secure the future of their enterprise.