Social entrepreneurship mechanisms for systems change: A structuration approach

Persistent social and environmental challenges require social entrepreneurs to work towards systems change, which is defined as fundamental shifts in social processes, practices, and structures. However, we do not understand well why some social entrepreneurs achieve systemic changes, while others fail to do so. In particular, we do not know which mechanisms help social entrepreneurs produce systemic transformations in society. This article advocates for harnessing Giddens' structuration theory to improve our understanding. I develop a structuration model of systems change through social entrepreneurship, which shows that connected modalities, that is, intricate combinations of (1) interpretative schemes, (2) resources, and (3) norms, act as the key mechanisms that enable systemic effects. I argue when social entrepreneurs mobilize connected modalities, they can realize high integrativeness, i.e., cover a wide variety of interconnected issues and trigger shifts at different societal levels. Connected modalities also enable high inclusiveness, i.e., unify a wide diversity of stakeholders. Both elements are needed to achieve systems change. I support the model's development with illustrations from research on social entrepreneurship with and without a systemic character. Thereby, I alter how we think about social entrepreneurship and effective ways of supporting it when the aim is to generate systems change.