Pulling back the curtain on the psychology of becoming a social entrepreneur: Insights from Scotland's world-leading social enterprise scene

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

This research paper determines the motivating factors that cause entrepreneurs to start a social enterprise instead of a traditional business model. The results reveal that these motivations span a wide spectrum, ranging from pure altruism and a values-led yearning to make a difference to communities, to an opportunistic identification of an autonomy-rich opportunity that compliments their life priorities and supplies income. This spectrum introduces complexity into the social enterprise transition journey, because people start social enterprises based on different circumstantial internal dialogues about their future. Consequently, some blending of different motivations along the spectrum can be expected.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Citation

(2021), "Pulling back the curtain on the psychology of becoming a social entrepreneur: Insights from Scotland's world-leading social enterprise scene", Strategic Direction, Vol. 37 No. 5, pp. 37-39. https://doi.org/10.1108/SD-03-2021-0031