Social entrepreneurship: a different model?

TLDR

The paper develops a framework to analyze both economic and social entrepreneurship. The framework, grounded in behavioural theory and case studies of UK social enterprises, incorporates a collective dimension of entrepreneurship. The study reveals alternative entrepreneurship models that differ from conventional SME models, offering policy and research implications.

Abstract

Purpose This paper is concerned with developing a framework which allows both economic and social entrepreneurship to be analysed. Design/methodology/approach The framework is developed to accommodate the often neglected collective or pluralistic dimension of entrepreneurship. It draws on the behavioural approach to adopt a straightforward definition of social entrepreneurship – focusing on the creation of a social enterprise (co‐operative, mutual or voluntary organisation). The paper is exploratory, developing a conceptual framework, based on some case studies of social enterprises in a range of business sectors, in the UK. Findings The findings from this small scale study provide interesting models of entrepreneurship that contrast with conventional models for SMEs. Research limitations/implications The research has implications for research on conventional entrepreneurship, as well as creating a basis for developing the new field of social entrepreneurship. Practical implications The paper provides policy implications for more effective support of social entrepreneurship. Originality/value The paper establishes the importance of some distinctive factors in social entrepreneurship for policy and further research.