Management Faculty Publications and Presentations
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2-2020
Abstract
Purpose- This paper contributes to research in social entrepreneurship by introducing a typology that describes four distinct types of social entrepreneurs based on the nature of their lives and career experiences and the scope of their social engagement.
Design/methodology/approach- In order to build a typology of social entrepreneurs, inductive profile analysis and archival research design approaches were used. A large variety of social entrepreneur profiles that are available in prominent social entrepreneurship organizations such as Ashoka Foundation, Echoing Green, Schwab Foundation and Skoll Foundation were examined.
Findings- Using four types of social entrepreneurs from the typology, the authors developed a number of predictions as to how social entrepreneurs with an activist background may benefit more in the short term but possibly struggle in the long term given their attachment to their venture’s “original” cause and lack of corporate/business experience.
Originality-By developing a typology of social entrepreneurs and discussing the implications of this typology for post-launch social venture performance, the paper advances the current understanding of social entrepreneurs and the performance of their ventures. Additionally, by focusing on social entrepreneurs as agents of social change, this paper sheds some light on who these entrepreneurs are, what kind of life and career experiences they had and what motivates them to engage in social entrepreneurship.
Recommended Citation
Abebe, Michael A., Sarah Kimakwa, and Tammi C. Redd. “Toward a Typology of Social Entrepreneurs: The Interplay between Passionate Activism and Entrepreneurial Expertise.” Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development 27, no. 4 (July 2, 2020): 509–30. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-08-2019-0279.
Publication Title
Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
DOI
10.1108/JSBED-08-2019-0279
Comments
© 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited. Original published version available at https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-08-2019-0279