Social Entrepreneurship, Motivation, and Challenges

Introduction

Entrepreneurship can be understood as the process of starting a new business and launching new ideas into commercial realities. It is found in many studies that entrepreneurship is highly admiring activity in giving rise to new industries and sectors (Vanevenhoven, 2013). Different business owners develop new ideas and plans through which their business could be managed, and profitability and productivity could be enhanced. In addition to this, it can also be said that there are several motivating and challenging factors, which are usually faced by entrepreneurs throughout the world. Social entrepreneurship is a category in entrepreneurship in which business owners are supposed to develop the products and new services, which may address the issues and challenges being faced by the people in different societies. According to Corner & Ho (2010), social entrepreneurship is described as the function of identifying and pursuing opportunities in order to deal with social issues by the creativity of the typical entrepreneurial procedure. There are various motivators of social entrepreneurship, which are empathy, moral obligations, self efficiency, perceived availability of social support, prior experience with social organisations, entrepreneurship profile and education. There are also various challenges of social entrepreneurship, such as raising sufficient funds, creation of proper business plan, investment in proper people and balance of vision with business.

The purpose of the current essay is to explore the content of five journal articles, which have been written on social entrepreneurship, motivation, and challenges. For this purpose, the essay describes the methods used for collecting the journals. There is information about the database used, timeframe, keywords and many more activities and assumptions considered for collecting the databases.

Methods Used for Selecting the Journals and Articles

It can be said that many effective methods were used for selecting the journals, which could be analyzed in this essay.

Database Used

There are many databases, which could be used to collect the articles and journals on the selected. Since the selected topic of the essay was on entrepreneurship; therefore, only management based journals were selected. For this purpose, many databases were chosen, which included Wiley Online Library, Elsevier, and SAGE. However, initially, there was a focus on selecting the journals from the ABS database; but, those articles were not easily accessible.

Name of Journals and Articles

The name of the journal articles is given in the following manner.

“Seeing parochially and acting locally: Social exposure, problem identification, and social entrepreneurship.”

“Social Entrepreneurship and the Development Paradox of Prosocial Motivation: A Cautionary Tale”

The Time Frame of Review

While collecting suitable and relevant journal articles for critical analysis, there was a focus on acquiring recent information on social entrepreneurship, motivating factors and the challenges. For this purpose, the time frame of 2014-2019 was considered. The journal 1, “Seeing parochially and acting locally: Social exposure, problem identification, and social entrepreneurship,” was published in the year 2019 and had the latest information. Similarly, journal 2, “Seeing parochially and acting locally: Social exposure, problem identification, and social entrepreneurship,” was published in the year 2017 due to which it was selected. The journal 3, “Conquering Relevance: Entrepreneurship Research’s Grand Challenge” was also published in year 2019.

Keywords Used in Search of Journals

Some keywords were used to search for journal articles. These keywords are given in the following way.

“Social entrepreneurship”

“Motivational factors for social entrepreneurs.”

“Challenges faced by social entrepreneurs.”

Critical Review of Content of Articles

Analysis of aims and objectives

The journal “Seeing parochially and acting locally: Social exposure, problem identification, and social entrepreneurship” aim at exploring why some people in communities consider parochial activities, but they work for enhancing the wellbeing of the people in local societies (Dutta, 2019). The article has described challenges associated with entrepreneurship in different geographical locations (Mair et al., 2006). Some prominent objectives that have been set in the execution of this research work include analysis of mortality and its dispersion as the journal is related to social entrepreneurship in the healthcare sector (Vanevenhoven, 2013).

2nd journal selected for analysis in this essay is focused on evaluating the motivational factors of the social entrepreneurs in Africa, who have raised their organizations to meet the challenges being faced by the people regarding water scarcity (McMullen and Bergman, 2017). The objectives, which were set to conduct this research, include the evaluation of the behaviour of the social entrepreneurs and how their psyche is affected by the social conditions. It can be critically analyzed that motivation is a psychological factor, which has a close relationship with the feelings, perspectives, and attachments of the people (Renko, 2013). For this reason, these attribute of social entrepreneurs needs to be focused, which may indicate the motivational factors for social entrepreneurship.

3rd journal article, which has been written on the research’s entrepreneurship is exploring several challenges corresponding to entrepreneurship’s research. In addition to this, the article also aims at the challenges for relevance and its nature (Wiklund et al., 2019). Along with this, the study is also presenting several facts and information about social impacts of entrepreneurship research. A model for execution of relevant research is also described in the article.

Another important article is based on causes of social entrepreneurial intentions. It evaluates the framework developed by Mair & Noboa who recognised four antecedents, which they recommend forecast social entrepreneurial aims. The research expands the framework by comprising prior experience with social issues as extra variable (Hockerts, 2017).

The fifth article chosen for the analysis is assessment of marketing abilities and social enterprise performance in two nations which are the UK and Japan. The objective of this research is to enlarge the current research on the connection between eight diverse kind of marketing ability and social enterprise performance. The article evaluates third segment organisations that have renovated the traditional business framework to become more business like social organisations and the way these marketing abilities impact on the achievement of this alteration in the UK and Japan (Liu, & et. al., 2013).

Analysis of Theoretical Background

Both the journal articles selected for critical analysis are providing some theoretical backgrounds, which helps the readers to understand why the research work was essential to be conducted (Dutta, 2019). In addition to this, the journal also provides some examples of parochial approaches of the entrepreneurs and their local activities (Renko, 2013). It can be analyzed that the journal has provided enough reasons as to why social entrepreneurship is necessary for the people in healthcare sectors.

In journal article 2, there is a focus on explaining the quality of the water, which is consumed by the people living in African societies and countries. Also, the study provides information about the daily needs of the water for these people (McMullen and Bergman, 2017). The background information also contains the activities managed by some hybrid organizations such as Coca Cola and many others in providing the water solutions to these communities. This way, the journal helps in understanding that there are many reasons why social entrepreneurs attach themselves to conducting some good business in social welfare (Vanevenhoven, 2013). This way, the journal articles provide very firm ground for defining the motivational factors for social entrepreneurs.

In the 3rd journal article, the scholars have provided the theoretical background. Initially in the article there is explanation that relevance in absence of rigour cannot be justified. In addition to this, the article also describes the trends and developments, which are accountable for influencing relevance in entrepreneurial research (Wiklund et al., 2019). It can be analysed that discussions on the influences and absence of rigour provides the rationale why entrepreneurial research is important for the academic institutions. This way, the approach considered by the researchers can be said justified and credible. The researchers have provided a good rationale by presenting this information.

Mair & Noboa (2006) argued that various exclusive aspects of social entrepreneurial background necessitate an adaptation of the traditional measures utilised in theory of planned behaviour and entrepreneurial intention models. They recommend four backgrounds of social entrepreneurship purposes, which are compassion as substitution for approaches towards behaviour, moral decision as a proxy for social norms, self efficiency as a substitution for inner behavioural control and perceived existence of social support as a substitution for external behavioural control.

According to Balabanis & et. al., (1997), social enterprises, which have superior marketing abilities are capable of positioning market oriented resources efficiently and accomplish better social performance. Positioning of market oriented resources can assist social organisations to increase more charitable funds, to attract volunteers and give better acceptable social services among others.

Analysis of Sample Characteristics

There are several sample characteristics, which have been considered while conducting the study in the journal article 1. Some prominent community socio-demographic characteristics include population density details, census of the country and many others (Dutta, 2019). It can be critically analyzed that the research has included the perspectives of different people over their access to free and low-cost healthcare services in the country. These considerations regarding the sample are accountable for enhancing the credibility factor for the outcomes of the journal (Mair et al., 2006). Due to these considerations, the outcomes cannot be said to have racial orientation and biasness.

While executing the study in journal 2, there several considerations for sample characteristics were also made. The researchers in this study considered The Coca Cola Company entrepreneur, who has taken several initiatives for enhancing the lives of the people living in African countries (McMullen and Bergman, 2017). There was a focus on field observations in the study, which helped draw several findings related to the behaviors of the social entrepreneur and the motivational factors for them (Renko, 2013). This way, it can be critically analyzed that considering real-time social entrepreneurs, which have commenced their businesses to address the needs of the people, are highly effective in drawing suitable outcomes.

In 3rd article selected for the analysis, there is significant focus on the entrepreneurs and policymakers in different financial institutions, which have been considered as audience. However, the research does not point to particular entrepreneur and policy making (Wiklund et al., 2019). In the contrary, the research has discussed the topic in general, which can be assessed by the entrepreneurs from all industries and businesses. This way, it can be analysed that the 3rd journal article in not targeting any audience.

In the fifth article the target population of the UK and Japan encompassed social organisations with medium to high degree of total income, comprising fund raised from both social and financial functions. The research forms portion of bigger projects on social organisations. The data for the research is collected through mail questionnaire survey. In the UK, the sample is obtained from companies registered with the UK Charity Commission, while in Japan, the sample is chosen from social organisations registered in NPO Hibora. About 534 usable responses have been obtained from the sample, comprising 297 from the UK and 237 from Japan.

Review of Data Analysis

As far as data analysis of journal one is concerned, it can be seen in the study that the researcher has used the methods of evaluating the isolation index for the people living in different communities. The use of variance is one of the astounding approaches in the data analysis section of the research in journal 1 (Dutta, 2019). It can be understood that comprehensive approaches were considered by the researcher while evaluating the cause of challenges related to social entrepreneurship in the healthcare sector (Vanevenhoven, 2013). This approach helps in analyzing the factors behind the challenges as well as their implications.

For analyzing the data in journal 2, the researcher has focused on evaluating the data related to Ghana and Nigeria, which are two prominent countries in Africa facing the water scarcity challenges. The researchers have focused on the partnership of The Coca Cola Company with local non-governmental organizations active for public causes (McMullen and Bergman, 2017). This analysis helps in understanding that factors of corporate social responsibilities are also highly accountable for motivating the entrepreneurs to exhibit practices for social interests (Mair et al., 2006).

3rd journal article considered for analysis in current assessment, has considered different approaches for the analysis of the data and information on the topic. In this article, the researcher has focused on explaining the topic of the research work with other studies, which have been accomplished on same or related topics (Wiklund et al., 2019). For this reason, data analysis is highly comprehensive in nature in which supporting arguments have been made to analyse the information and evaluating the authenticity.

The data in the third article is tested by sequence of models. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted in order to evaluate the structure of the measures. Furthermore, root mean square approximation and regression analysis is conducted to understand various factors and their relationships with social entrepreneurship. In order to evaluate common method variance, Harman’s one factor test was utilised.

The data in the fourth article is analysed by using the descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, root mean square value and correlation and regression method.

Analysis of Findings

While drawing the findings in journal 1, the researcher has focused on testing the hypotheses formulated earlier. It is found in the study that there are many challenges, which are usually faced by social entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector. Along with this, the environmental and economic conditions of the people also affect the effectiveness of the entrepreneurs in achieving their set objectives and aim (Dutta, 2019). It can be critically analyzed that social entrepreneurs come up with new ideas to enhance the wellbeing of the people living in different communities. Most of these people are found following traditional practices and having a conventional mindset (Renko, 2013).

Findings in journal 2, includes the self-sacrificing nature of social entrepreneurs, which motivate them to do some good things for society (Renko, 2013). In addition to this, stakeholders’ objectives, emotional connect of the entrepreneurs are also some of the prominent motivational factors, which encourage social entrepreneurs to enhance the social conditions (McMullen and Bergman, 2017). It can be analyzed that due to emotional connect, entrepreneurs may feel the difficulties being faced by the people.

3rd journal article has made several findings under the topic “Need for media richness” and “Communicating Research”. It is found from the research that researchers can transform the lab ideas into realities, which develops entrepreneurial qualities and they can easily make key findings (Wiklund et al., 2019). It can be understood that it is important for the researchers and policy makers to test the hypothesis and create strategies. This way, entrepreneurial research cannot be accomplished without challenges and short-term attention plan.

The findings of the fourth article demonstrate that prior experiments forecast social entrepreneurship intentions. This influence is mediated by the antecedents recommended by Mair & Noboa. Social entrepreneurial self effectiveness has strong effect on the intents and also much reactive to prior experience. The findings also demonstrate that the level of optional social entrepreneurship electives students register is projected by social entrepreneurial intends.

From the findings of the fifth article, it can be observed that for British organisations, pricing, product, and market information management capability are related with social performance, while for Japanese organisations, no market capabilities have benefits to social enterprises regarding social functions.

Conclusions

There are many conclusions, which can be made after critically analyzing the two journal articles. These conclusions are given in the following manner.

Implications of the journal articles for entrepreneurs

Both journal articles are helpful for social entrepreneurs in different industries and sectors. Various challenges found in journal 1 corresponding to social entrepreneurship, such as social attitude, economic situations of the targeted population, and many others, may allow the social entrepreneurs to develop effective strategies and implement them tactfully for attaining the objectives of social welfare (Dutta, 2019). Various techniques to identify the challenges can also be used by entrepreneurs to enhance the objectivity of their enterprises (Vanevenhoven, 2013).

Similarly, it can also be said that journal article 2 can also be helpful for the entrepreneurs to understand if there will be an emotional connect between the entrepreneurs and there and the people living in targeted societies; then their plans are likely to be executed successfully (McMullen and Bergman, 2017). The journal may also educate the social entrepreneurs about the factors, which may motivate them to become more efficient.

3rd article is found highly applicable for the entrepreneurial researches as it describes several considerations as well as the challenges, which are faced by the researchers. It may indicate how those challenges can be managed and regulated (Wiklund et al., 2019).

The fourth article is important as policymakers and educators involve growingly in effort to inspire people to partake in social entrepreneurship. The fourth article will provide better understanding regarding the antecedents of social entrepreneurship intentions. On the other hand, the fifth article is also important because it highpoints diverse kind of marketing capability and it’s positive and negative influence on social enterprises within different marketing environment.

Limitations Associated with the Articles

Along with several implications of the two analyzed journal articles, there are also some limitations, which affect their implications. It is found that that most of the challenges described in the journal 1 are applicable for social entrepreneurs in healthcare sectors only. This is because efforts made by them affect the traditional ways of treatments and healthcare practices in societies (Dutta, 2019). There can be societies in which people are not having a negative attitude towards the efforts made by social entrepreneurs.

On the contrary, these people could welcome their efforts. Therefore, it can be said that the outcomes regarding the challenges of social entrepreneurs are selective for the healthcare industry only. These challenges may vary in different industries and sectors.

Similar to that of the outcomes of journal article 1, the other article also has some limitations. It is found in the article that the emotional connect of the entrepreneurs is accountable for motivating them towards social welfare. These outcomes are not always applicable (McMullen and Bergman, 2017). There can be other social entrepreneurs, who are hardly connected with a society or community but establish the objectives in their organizations to enhance the lives of other people. Analysis of scarcity and difficulties being faced by the people cannot be the only motivating factor for social entrepreneurs in different parts of the world. Various limitations is observed in the fourth journal. For instance, the model used the article can wrongly reject the hypothesis if the data deviates from the assumptions of multivariate normality. Furthermore, the model used in the research of fourth article is quite sensitive to the fluctuation in sample size. With respect to the fifth journal, only 8 marketing capabilities are considered for understanding its relationship with social entrepreneurship. However, there are other marketing capabilities, which are also associated with social enterprises. Furthermore, the research design used in this fifth journal article involves inviting representatives of the organisations, which generates the probability of self serving bias.

Future Research Direction

There are certain ways in which future research work can be carried out, which are based on the journal articles analyzed in this essay. It can be said that journal 1 has explored the difficulties and challenges faced by social entrepreneurs in the healthcare industry only. In different industries, these outcomes may vary (Dutta, 2019). Therefore, a comparative study can be carried out in the future, in which challenges being faced by social entrepreneurs in different industries are identified. This future research may draw findings of the common challenges being faced by social entrepreneurs (Vanevenhoven, 2013). This way, the outcomes of the research work will not be selective to an organization or industry. On the contrary, social entrepreneurs in all sectors can be related.

There are also some scopes for future research work based on the 2nd journal articles. It is found in the study that most of the motivational factors described in this research work are based on the scarcity of the facilities of the people (Renko, 2013). Many communities are not deprived of their basic living things, but many social entrepreneurs are still working to enhance their lives (McMullen and Bergman, 2017). For example, awareness, security and many other motivational factors can be there. For this reason, there is scope for the further study also.

For 3rd article, it can be said that there are very less real time examples, which describe the entrepreneurial research (Wiklund et al., 2019). Therefore, there is further scope for detailed research in which real time examples and information is given exploring the entrepreneurship research.

With respect to fourth article, it can be stated that social customs can determine developments of corporate volunteering motives, which might not be true for social entrepreneurship motives as studied in the article, which opens interesting area for future research. Apart from that in future it will be interesting to draw on difference between objectives and implantation goals to better comprehend which implementation goals are most probably lead to social enterprise consequences. In the fifth article, more marketing capabilities can be considered for further understanding of their implications on social entrepreneurship. Furthermore, in future more nations can also be considered for research apart from the UK and Japan in order to enhance the variability and generalizability of the findings.

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References

• Corner, P. D. & Ho, M. (2010). How opportunities develop in social entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship, Theory, and Practice, 34(4), 635–659.
• Dutta, S. (2019) Seeing parochially and acting locally: Social exposure, problem identification and social entrepreneurship, Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier Journal of Business Venturing 34 105942
• Hockerts, K. (2017). Determinants of Social Entrepreneurial Intentions. Baylor University.
• Liu, G.& et. al. (2013). An Investigation of Marketing Capabilities and Social Enterprise Performance in the UK and Japan. Baylor University.
• Mair, J. & Noboa, I., (2006). Social entrepreneurship: How intentions to create a social venture get formed. In Mair, J., Robinson, J. and Hockerts, K. eds., (2006). Social entrepreneurship (p. 3). New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Mair, J., Robinson, J. and Hockerts, K. eds., (2006). Social entrepreneurship (p. 3). New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
• McMullen, J. and Bergman, B. (2017) Social Entrepreneurship and the Development Paradox of Prosocial Motivation: A Cautionary Tale, Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, 243–270, Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI: 10.1002/sej.1263
• Renko, M., (2013). Early challenges of nascent social entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship theory and practice, 37(5), pp.1045-1069.
• Vanevenhoven, J., (2013). Advances and challenges in entrepreneurship education. Journal of small business management, 51(3), pp.466-470.
• Wiklund, J., Wright, M. and Zahra, S. (2019) Conquering Relevance: Entrepreneurship Research’s Grand Challenge, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Vol. 43(3) 419–436