A MULTI-PARADIGM GROUNDED THEORY APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING THE WORKS OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS

Abstract

This study sets out to fill theoretical gaps within current the social entrepreneurship literature. Employing a multi-paradigm, grounded study approach, I will explore the key factors motivating social entrepreneurs to move into certain areas of work, the number of sectors and the target population that they are engaged in. Inducted Ashoka fellows between 1982 and 23 January 2014 are examined to address the topic. The study proceeds with five propositions, which highlight the critical factors affecting choice of social entrepreneurial works in different field of work (Propositions 1, 2 & 3), the number of sectors involved in (Proposition 4) and the number of target population helped (Proposition 5). Based on these propositions, a stakeholder model which explains the interaction between the social entrepreneur’s education background and personal background in shaping the choice of social entrepreneurial works. This proposed model also shed some light on the resultant effect on the choice of social entrepreneurial works by Ashoka Fellows. Finally, this study concludes with an evaluation of the proposed model and future research implications.