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Toward a typology of social entrepreneurs: the interplay between passionate activism and entrepreneurial expertise

Michael A. Abebe (Department of Management, Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship,University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas, USA)
Sarah Kimakwa (Department of Management, Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship,University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas, USA)
Tammi Redd (Department of Management, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah, New Jersey, USA)

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development

ISSN: 1462-6004

Article publication date: 6 July 2020

Issue publication date: 11 August 2020

1150

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/value

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.

Keywords

Citation

Abebe, M.A., Kimakwa, S. and Redd, T. (2020), "Toward a typology of social entrepreneurs: the interplay between passionate activism and entrepreneurial expertise", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 27 No. 4, pp. 509-530. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-08-2019-0279

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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