Studying the Origins of Social Entrepreneurship: Compassion and the Role of Embedded Agency

Abstract

Arend's response to our paper furthers the discussion on the origins of social entrepreneurship by suggesting that our focus on the motivational origins of social entrepreneurship is misplaced. We address his critiques by highlighting the fact that the social entrepreneur in our model is an embedded agent. While societal forces may shape the role of social entrepreneur and the scripts associated with social entrepreneurship, our model recognizes that individuals must be motivated to assume that role. In clarifying our approach, we offer an agenda for future research that recognizes the need for a more, not less, comprehensive approach essential to understanding a phenomenon as complex as social entrepreneurship.