Social entrepreneurs and their motivations behind starting social ventures in the context of developing economies: An explorative study

Social entrepreneurial organizations have gained in awareness and interest among researchers, yet one knows relatively little about the individuals who are able to create social and economic values in developing countries. This study examines social entrepreneurs' characteristics, their backgro...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ghalwash, Seham, Tolba, Ahmed, Ismail, Ayman
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Developing countries
Economic development
Entrepreneurs
LDCs
Social entrepreneurship
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Summary:Social entrepreneurial organizations have gained in awareness and interest among researchers, yet one knows relatively little about the individuals who are able to create social and economic values in developing countries. This study examines social entrepreneurs' characteristics, their backgrounds and motivations in starting new social ventures. It addresses social entrepreneurship by empirically examining the phenomenon in the particular context of Egypt. A qualitative methodological approach was adapted in which a triangulation of data sources was employed. Analysis of findings of the five social enterprises revealed common characteristics of individuals as well as the motivations behind starting social ventures. Findings suggest that successful social entrepreneurs are risk takers with an entrepreneurial mind-set. They are innovators who seek solving social issues, and they have persistence that helps them to survive the inefficient institutional framework conditions in such developing economies. Thus, the empirical findings revealed that social problems, inspiration and personal experiences are the main drivers for starting social ventures.
ISSN:2047-2854
2047-2862