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Prosocial Motivation as a Driver of Social Innovation in the UAE

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  • Sophia Soyoung Jeong
  • Dhia Waddah Talib Ali Alhanaee

Abstract

One important domain of nonmarket‐driven innovation is social innovation. Defined as “new ideas that have the potential to improve either the quality or the quantity of life,” social innovation stands in stark contrast to business innovation that focuses on creativity with the intention of making a profit. Drawing on research on motivation, creativity, rentier mentality, and Islamic work ethics, this article takes a motivational approach to social innovation and advances a proposition that prosocial motivation is of particular importance in fostering social innovation in the context of the UAE. We argue that due to policies that grant nationals high financial stability and affluence, UAE locals are less likely to be driven by extrinsic motivation, but rather by intrinsic motivation. We propose that enhancing their prosocial motivation will have a synergetic effect with their intrinsic motivation and therefore lead to higher social innovation. This article extends the literature on prosocial motivation, social innovation, and social entrepreneurship by identifying a geographical/cultural region where the motivational basis for social innovation is amplified. Significantly, this article questions common assumptions about a rentier mentality and proposes a path to leverage social innovation. Implications for policymakers and practitioners are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Sophia Soyoung Jeong & Dhia Waddah Talib Ali Alhanaee, 2020. "Prosocial Motivation as a Driver of Social Innovation in the UAE," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 101(7), pages 2450-2464, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:101:y:2020:i:7:p:2450-2464
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.12913
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Salah Gad, 2023. "E-Learning and Social Work Education during COVID-19," Public Organization Review, Springer, vol. 23(1), pages 343-364, March.
    2. Kevin Au & Sophia Soyoung Jeong & Anna J. C. Hsu & Yingzhao Xiao, 2024. "When Does Prosocial Motivation Deliver? A Dual-Motivations Approach to Social Enterprise Outcomes," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 193(1), pages 159-178, August.
    3. Bablu Kumar Dhar & Jakhongir Shaturaev & Khayrilla Kurbonov & Rajabov Nazirjon, 2023. "The causal nexus between innovation and economic growth: An OECD study," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 104(4), pages 395-405, July.

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