Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2005
Abstract
This paper presents a conceptual model and research questions for qualitative research of pattern-changing social entrepreneurs who catalyze social transformations by introducing new paradigms at critical leverage points. The research will be conducted during the summer of 2005. The objective of the research is to understand the factors that enable successful pattern-changing social entrepreneurs in the nonprofit sector to scale their social impact. The results of the qualitative research will be used to inform the design of quantitative research to be conducted during 2006. The dependent variables or outputs of interest center around three concepts: changes in scale, social impact and financial sustainability. The qualitative research will be structured to clarify each of these concepts and identify specific and practical measures to be used in the quantitative research. Independent variables or initiating conditions serve as the starting point for the model. These include key attributes of the social entrepreneur (intense mission focus, ability to apply systematic management, and time management abilities) as well as strength of the entrepreneur's social network. Mediating concepts represent the key areas of research interest and hypotheses regarding how entrepreneurs are able to use their key attributes and social networks to create large social impact. The mediating concepts are explored in this paper center around acquiring and deploying resources.
Keywords
social entrepreneurship
Rights
© The Author(s). Kelvin Smith Library provides access for non-commercial, personal, or research use only. All other use, including but not limited to commercial or scholarly reproductions, redistribution, publication or transmission, whether by electronic means or otherwise, without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Department/Center
Design & Innovation
Recommended Citation
Sherman, David A., "Social Entrepreneurship: Scaling Social Impact" (2005). Student Scholarship. 390.
https://commons.case.edu/studentworks/390