Book Description
ÔThis is an excellent collection of papers that makes a significant contribution to the academic literature on social entrepreneurship. As well as highlighting opportunities for research in this area, the book emphasizes three issues that are central to social entrepreneurship Ð the role of leadership, the role of stakeholders, and the role of legitimacy Ð about which relatively written has been written. It therefore constitutes an important resource for social entrepreneurship researchers.Õ Ð Paul Tracey, University of Cambridge, UK ÔThis book is a compelling collection of key contributions in social entrepreneurship scholarship. It should be essential reading for all those seeking to understand the practical complexity and research richness of this emerging field.Õ Ð Alex Nicholls, University of Oxford, UK This impressive book outlines the complexities peculiar to the field of social entrepreneurship. Such complexities manifest at different moments in the development of a social entrepreneurial venture: at the opportunity recognition stage, at the venture early-stage, and in the long run in the search for a sustainable equilibrium between mission and profit. The contributors expertly focus on the individual, organizational and institutional levels of social entrepreneurship. They address the role of personal values and leadership in the conduct of social entrepreneurial initiatives while stressing the importance of stakeholders in relation to human resource management, innovation or opportunity discovery. Finally, they analyze the role of institutions in legitimating social entrepreneurs' actions. Social entrepreneurship, as a multi-disciplinary field, presents a unique opportunity and environment for researchers to contribute to academic-focused knowledge on both theoretical frameworks and practical skills on a holistic level. This volume offers a jumping off point to do so.