The Case for and Against Social Entrepreneurship

8 Pages Posted: 16 Dec 2014

Date Written: December 14, 2014

Abstract

This working paper highlights the case for and against Social Entrepreneurship as an alternate development model to conventional development economic models. The arguments in favour of social entrepreneurship highlight why the sector has attracted significant global interest including the tremendous potential impact through “Impact investing”. The paper also discusses some shortcomings, including the challenge of initial funding and of ‘mission drift’. In discussing the disadvantages, it evidences arguments that are often unpopular and hidden in the popular discourse on the sector. It concludes that Social entrepreneurship offers a valuable opportunity to meet the needs of marginalised groups that would otherwise be neglected by conventional economic planners. However, its biggest challenge is to have leaders with a solid social mission who also bring business acumen to the table.

Keywords: Development, Impact, Investing, Education, Entrepreneurship, Poverty

JEL Classification: D62, D63, I31

Suggested Citation

Bedi, Rohan, The Case for and Against Social Entrepreneurship (December 14, 2014). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2538456 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2538456

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