Social entrepreneurship: Study highlights key influences on business creation
According to a study developed by the magazine GV Executivo of the School of Business Administration of São Paulo (FGV EAESP), carried out by researchers from the University of Fortaleza (Unifor), Roberta Feitosa de Lucena Cavalcante and José Milton de Sousa-Filho, the entrepreneur social seeks to improve society through the creation of innovative business models that aim to solve or minimize socio-environmental problems. Unlike the traditional entrepreneur, the main objective is not profit, but the positive impact on the community.
In this context, a study with 30 Brazilian social entrepreneurs highlighted that the main influences in the creation of social businesses were extracurricular activities, volunteering and mentoring, rather than formal education. Although many graduated in human sciences, college was not decisive for the path of social entrepreneurship.
The research contributes to a deeper understanding of social entrepreneurship and to the establishment of new parameters for corporate actions and public policies that increase the quantity and quality of future social entrepreneurs.
The methodology addressed was qualitative based on life stories of social entrepreneurs. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using content analysis techniques. Most respondents were young, single, with higher education in several areas, and held positions such as founders, CEO and directors. The interviews were analyzed to identify categories through interpretation procedures.
According to the social entrepreneurs interviewed, the personal environment, such as parents, grandparents and uncles was cited as a source of inspiration, but it was not a predominant influencing factor. Respondents highlighted the importance of participating in mentoring, incubation and acceleration programs to help create their social businesses. Before starting their ventures, most acted as volunteers in social causes, which helped to better understand the problems and difficulties of specific groups or populations.
They also mentioned that Brazilians have little idea of what a social business is and confuse the concept with philanthropy or social responsibility, but this perception is gradually changing. Referring to what motivates them to undertake, they mainly present the opportunity to solve social problems and face current challenges. In addition, the will to change people's lives was essential.
On the issue of business opportunities, the interviewees cited participation in public notices to promote the selection of social projects as an important asset to provide training, financial resources and credibility to the business.
“To encourage social entrepreneurship, motivating proposals in formal education and involvement in extracurricular activities are needed, in addition to initiatives to support entrepreneurs, such as selection notices for promoting social projects,” concludes the researchers.
To read the full article , click here.
