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Putting entrepreneurship in corporate change agency: A typology of social intrapreneurs

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  • Anne‐Cathrin Darcis
  • Rüdiger Hahn
  • Elisa Alt

Abstract

Social intrapreneurs can help corporations to address grand challenges and create hybrid value—that is simultaneous commercial and social value—by identifying and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities that address social or environmental issues. However, we still know little about how individuals assume social intrapreneurial roles in corporations. Based on a qualitative study of social intrapreneurs and their supporters, we identify variations in social intrapreneurial profiles along two dimensions: the role of the social intrapreneur in the entrepreneurial process (idea initiator versus idea explorer), and their position (within core business departments versus within sustainability departments). We contribute to the literature by identifying four different types of social intrapreneurs as corporate change agents—the Visionary Business Insurgent, the Visionary Sustainability Transformer, the Enabled Business Expert, and the Enabled Sustainability Expert—and by shedding light on four pathways to social intrapreneurship that vary in initial levels of agency and ethical expression.

Suggested Citation

  • Anne‐Cathrin Darcis & Rüdiger Hahn & Elisa Alt, 2024. "Putting entrepreneurship in corporate change agency: A typology of social intrapreneurs," Business Ethics, the Environment & Responsibility, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(2), pages 170-183, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:buseth:v:33:y:2024:i:2:p:170-183
    DOI: 10.1111/beer.12600
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kruse, Daniel J. & Eling, Katrin & Herstatt, Cornelius, 2025. "How social entrepreneurs search for knowledge to solve complex social problems – An empirically based model and typology," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 194(C).

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