Enterprise and Small Business Principles

Social entrepreneurship

Alex Nicholls

12.1 Introduction

This chapter explores the phenomenon of social entrepreneurship. Whilst the term is increasingly to be found in public discourse there is still considerable confusion about what it means and what it can achieve. This chapter begins by setting out the meaning of social entrepreneurship through a consideration of its manifestations at both an individual and organisational level. The problematic issues around its interpretation are elaborated and a definition is derived. Next the drivers behind the emergence of social entrepreneurship internationally are identified. The social enterprise model within the spectrum of social entrepreneurship is then discussed. The chapter ends with a brief consideration of the current and future challenges presented to social entrepreneurs across the world.

12.2 Learning objectives

There are four learning objectives in this chapter:

1 To understand what is meant by social entrepreneurship.

2 To understand how social entrepreneurship has developed internationally.

3 To understand the meaning of social enterprise.

4 To put social entrepreneurship in context.

Key concepts

■ entrepreneurship ■ civil society ■ social enterprise ■ welfare reform