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Empathy as a driver of social entrepreneurship: insights from the Bulgarian context

Author

Listed:
  • Ana Todorova

    ("Angel Kanchev" University of Ruse, Bulgaria)

  • Irina Kostadinova

    ("Angel Kanchev" University of Ruse, Bulgaria)

  • Nataliya Venelinova

    ("Angel Kanchev" University of Ruse, Bulgaria)

Abstract

Social entrepreneurship, understudied as a business and social phenomenon, hides its potential, and what drives those involved in a social activity still needs to be clarified. The paper's authors assume that empathy is the basis of starting a socially significant business and seek confirmation of this thesis in direct communication with social entrepreneurs from Bulgaria. The research methodology is based on the author's conceptual framework, which includes two groups of results – quantitative and qualitative – that aim to confirm or reject the formulated hypotheses. The results show a positive relationship between empathy and starting a socially engaged business. The analysis identifies empathy as a vital catalyst for the social entrepreneur, along with communication skills, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. The research shows that empathy is a prerequisite for starting a socially engaged business and can significantly contribute to the organisation's success. At the same time, there is a subjective conclusion that Bulgarian social entrepreneurs are not responsive enough, which may hinder social changes and the development of social enterprises in the country. Future research will explore that topic.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Todorova & Irina Kostadinova & Nataliya Venelinova, 2024. "Empathy as a driver of social entrepreneurship: insights from the Bulgarian context," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 12(2), pages 71-84, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:ssi:jouesi:v:12:y:2024:i:2:p:71-84
    DOI: 10.9770/n4955682927
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Florian Lückenbach & Holger J. Schmidt & Jörg Henseler, 2023. "Building brand meaning in social entrepreneurship organizations: the social impact brand model," Journal of Brand Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 30(3), pages 207-226, May.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • L31 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - Nonprofit Institutions; NGOs; Social Entrepreneurship

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