The Dependent Variables of Social Entrepreneurship Research
Babson College Entrepreneurship Research Conference (BCERC) 2008
Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Reseach 2008
14 Pages Posted: 5 Mar 2009 Last revised: 30 Jun 2010
Abstract
Social entrepreneurship (SE) is defined as a process of social value creation in which resources are combined in new ways to meet social needs, stimulate social change, or create new organizations. This paper shows that 1) diversity in SE construct measurement is presently lacking, 2) the SE literature is characterized by social value creation as a distinguishing dependent variable, and 3) SE research relies on descriptions of individuals and ventures. Using a sample of 87 SE articles, we use content analysis to compare and contrast outcomes and sample categories in SE and commercial entrepreneurship. Few overlaps exist between SE and commercial entrepreneurship in dependent variables and sample categories, providing an abundance of opportunities for future research.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship
JEL Classification: M13
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation