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What is social entrepreneurship and how can it be differentiated from business entrepreneurship?

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  • Erpf,

Abstract

This article provides an empirically based definition of social entrepreneurship derived from self-perceptions of Swiss social entrepreneurs. According to them, social entrepreneurship is characterized by an entrepreneurial effort, it aims to provide an individual benefit for the customer or client, and being profitable is essential while having a strong social focus. Hence, the survey indicates that social entrepreneurs perceive their organization more as a business enterprise than as a non-profit organization. However, a look at existing literature comparing business and social entrepreneurship shows notable differences with regard to the following topics: mission, entrepreneur, followers and staff, main target groups, relevance of profit and growth, performance measurement, and entrepreneurial context. These commonalities and differences show the potential of social entrepreneurship and invites for further research.

Suggested Citation

  • Erpf,, 2017. "What is social entrepreneurship and how can it be differentiated from business entrepreneurship?," Die Unternehmung - Swiss Journal of Business Research and Practice, Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, vol. 71(2), pages 197-208.
    • Handle: RePEc:nms:untern:10.5771/0042-059x-2017-2-197
    DOI: 10.5771/0042-059X-2017-2-197
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