Before starting my research to find out the relationship between entrepreneur's motivations with social entrepreneurs mission, to explain further discussion I will begin by defining what is mean by social entrepreneur, motivations of a social entrepreneur, ecopreneur, ecopreneur behavior, ecopreneurial typologies, and green innovation. I moreover review recent studies relating to the topic under study.
2.1.1. Social Entrepreneur
Social entrepreneurship was introduced in the 1970s to address the issue of social problems sustainably. The term “social entrepreneur” was first mentioned in 1972 by Joseph Banks in his seminal work named The Sociology of Social Movements, where he used the term to describe the need to use managerial skills to address
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In the context of green entrepreneurship, Gliedt and Parker (2007) argue that contemporary businesses are more likely pursuing business strategies intended to capitalize on environmentally sustainable products and services. As a result, some for-profit businesses perceive the notion of sustainability and specifically climate change as a business prospect to exploit (Hanson, 2005). Dixon and Clifford’s (2007) study found that “ecopreneurs” can operate an economically viable business whilst maintaining the core values that motivated the creation of the business. It can be concluded that being ecopreneur should have a business strategy that can create goods or services that have values for environmental …show more content…
Based on Fong, Wolfgramm, & Shepherd (2014), there are ecopreneur definitions, ecopreneurial typologies, and ecopreneurial motivation (see table 1). Four types of ecopreneurs are identified: ad hoc, ethical mavericks, visionary champions, and innovative opportunists (see table 1). On the other hand, Linnanens’ (2010) typology of ecopreneurs classifies them into two criteria: the desire to change the world and improve quality of life and the environment (high, low) and the desire to make money (high, low). From this, he proposes four different types of ecopreneurs: self-employer, non-profit business, opportunist, a successful idealist (see table 1). Schaltegger (2010) also uses two dimensions for his typology. One is based on the person’s goals and their focus on the market effect of their business using a spectrum which includes ‘alternative science’ to ‘eco-niche’ and mass market, whilst the other focus on the priority given to environmental issues as a business which ranges from low to high. Three main types of ecopreneurs are then formed: ecopreneurs, bioneers, and alternative actors (see table 1). Freimann et al’s., (2010) study of German start-ups investigates opportunities for adopting sustainable business practices in new business ventures. They identify three different ecological orientation categories: eco-dedicated
John Dallas Costa, Ethical Imperative wrote: "Not long ago the concerns of ecologists were as irrelevant to business planners as those of ethicists are today. “Green” has gone from being a disparagement to becoming a badge that no smart company would risk being without. Ethics are similarly en route to becoming a strategic imperative."
With forward movement in society, it is important to consider not just what will propel most toward success, but also what will help to sustain the environment along the way. What may have been considered appropriate decades ago, may no longer be socially acceptable due to the changes observed in both the business world and the environment (Fiske, 2010). Therefore, it is important for organizations thriving in today?s economy to consider how they may capitalize most effectively from their product or service of choice while minimizing or eliminating any damages along the way (Knoke, 2012).
Zsolnai, L. (2011). Environmental ethics for business sustainability. International Journal of Social Economics, 38(11), 892-899. doi: 10.1108/03068291111171397
Social finance is seen as an approach aimed as mobilizing private capital in order to ensure the delivery of economic returns and social dividends to attain environmental and social goals (2). It also creates many opportunities for various investors to finance certain projects to benefit community and society organizations to access other sources of funds. The description of the policy issue, as social finance, is conveyed by the implementers who involve mainly political leaders, interest groups, state legislatures, congress, and government bureaucracies. The problem from the policy is defined based on the economic situation of the society before its introduction and implementation. Social finance, as an initiative, is a form of a business with the aim of bettering society economically and having a positive social impact such as creating new job opportunities and funding business development programs. Since 2004, over $67.7 million has been invested in over 7300 businesses and community development projects (3). The description of the problem also involves understanding of the situation in the absence of the initiative. The policy, as a problem,...
A social enterprise is an entrepreneurial, non-profit project that generates revenues and serves a social cause. It is a social value-creating activity implemented through innovative and resourceful approaches. Social entrepreneurs seek to create social value because they have identified a problem in society that they want to solve. Social entrepreneurs are risk takers. They are willing to take reasonable risk on behalf of the people the organization aims to serve. They understand that new opportunities arise in the changes in the government and the industry. The social and financial return of their investments are always weighed so that they true to their social mission. Social entrepreneurs have
Social entrepreneurship rests on a sound business strategy as Belle Meade operates similarly to a for-profit organization. Resurrecting wine production and sales provided self-sufficiency and revenue
After reading the first two chapters of Building Social Business, I was moved. I was inspired. Yunus opened my eyes to another side of business, which in his words was selfless. And indeed it was selfless. Social business is truly selfless because it focuses on helping others and earning profit comes second. By reading this book and reflecting, I realized it is better to be part of the solution rather than be part of the problem. By looking at my community, at my environment, and at my experiences in life, there are problems that will need solutions and I firmly believe that having a social business is the solution. By my observation, slow public utilities, expensive medicine, and empowering marginalized sectors are problems that can be solved by putting up social businesses. By combining entrepreneurial mindset and experience, social awareness, and creativity, the ideal social business can be done. But what makes a social business truly a social business is the
Firstly, social entrepreneurship has become inclusive that it now has an immense tent into which all manner of socially beneficial activities fit.(1). In the contemporary, social entrepreneurs recognize immediate social problems, but also seek to understand the broader context of an issue that crosses disciplines, fields, and theories. Gaining a larger understanding of how an issue relates to society allows social entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions and mobilize available resources to impact the greater global society (2). ...
They are giving ideas on how social entrepreneurs can be different from businessmen. Social entrepreneurs are focusing on solving social problems in the world. Social entrepreneurs can also be called humanitarians because they envision a better world for the people in need and they promote human welfare. They feel empathy towards the people who need help and they would just want to help them make their live better. Establishing a social enterprise does not always mean that the organization would already go international just because the entrepreneur wants to have a better world. The enterprise does not need to be globalized immediately. Daniel Lavin developed five keys to determine if the products of the enterprise are being benefitted locally. The keys are: (1) Local shows if the materials to be used in making the products could easily be seen in the community itself and if the methods to be used can be easily done by the people. (2) Ownership having irresponsible management and ownership can result to failure in practicality, profitability and accountability. (3) Repeatability is important because the partner community should be able to do the products themselves repeatedly having the constant quality of the products. If the enterprise would be successful, the other communities should not be able to duplicate the (4) Profitability should be sustained even if the investors
In conclusion, I have to say that there is a solid invisible relationship between impacts of businesses on environments, profitability of sustainable business, and responsibility of business. When one of these ones changes, it will effect to others. When a business adapts efficient and sustainable system, it will reduce negative externalities and increase positive externalities to environment. Once the business adapted efficient business model, it will reduce cost and maximize its profits. Obviously, the sustainable and efficient business model will make the business social more responsible to environments.
Entrepreneurship for social change: Is the U.S. doing enough to encourage and support sustainable social innovation?
In recent years, business or green business was no longer an option to become an obligation. Companies started to change their mindset and values to develop new environmental proposals, for example launching second ecological lines.
In conclusion, these four types of eco-entrepreneurship has been developed in same purpose which is safe towards the environment. Eco-entrepreneurship which operated has been decreased pollutions and creates green society (Robinson and Stubberud 2013, 55). And these four types of eco-entrepreneurship have been classified by influences and encouragement by eco entrepreneurs. The characters of these types of eco-entrepreneurs are merited to have further more research towards interative relationship between community and business, and also environment (Robinson and Stubberud 2013,
Social sustainability is “identifying and managing business impact, both positive and negative, on people.” The quality of a company’s relationships and engagement will directly or indirectly “affect what happens to employees, workers in the value chain, customers and local communities” (Wynhoven). This definition focuses on the importance of sustainable relationships. It focuses on the social aspect, which can be good helping to determine what social sustainability looks like. The UN definition makes it clear that it is important to manage the corporation’s impact proactively so that employees, customers, and local communities all benefit from a corporation’s presence. BMW is an excellent example of a corporation that focuses on social sustainability. BMW promotes exchange between refugees, local youth, and BMW employees through a neighborhood project called “Lifetalk” which aims “to give young people a better idea of possible career paths” (BMW). These actions come from the company’s beliefs and goals. BMW states that “taking social and environmental responsibility for everything we do is an integral part of how we perceive ourselves as a company. We are convinced that the lasting economic success of any enterprise these days is based increasingly on acting responsibly and ensuring social acceptance” (BMW). BMW believes that sustainability is an
One of the key features of this Australian research is its intention to define social enterprise in a way that was informed by and made sense to those working in or with social enterprises.