Social entrepreneurship: a different model?

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.

Citation

Spear, R. (2006), "Social entrepreneurship: a different model?", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 33 No. 5/6, pp. 399-410. https://doi.org/10.1108/03068290610660670