Shifting Perspectives in Social Entrepreneurship: A Focus on Outcome Measurement Over Intentions

This blog presents detailed discussion on a significant shift in the discourse surrounding social entrepreneurship, moving away from the predominant focus on the characteristics and intentions of individual social entrepreneurs towards an emphasis on measuring the tangible outcomes of their endeavors. The conventional literature in social entrepreneurship has traditionally centered on understanding the noble intentions, goals, values, and missions of social entrepreneurs and their organizations. However, a paradigm shift is underway, steering attention toward quantifiable outcomes resulting from prosocial behavior as the quintessential criterion in evaluating the impact of social entrepreneurship initiatives.

Shift in Focus

Recent scholarship has challenged this conventional narrative by advocating a shift towards measuring and assessing the tangible outcomes emanating from social entrepreneurial endeavors. This departure from emphasizing intentions to scrutinizing measurable impacts has redefined the discourse, placing greater significance on the actual efficacy and effectiveness of initiatives aimed at tackling societal problems. Scholars like Rawhouser et al. (2017) now contend that the ultimate litmus test of social entrepreneurship lies in the demonstrable results of their efforts rather than merely their professed intentions. The shift towards measuring tangible outcomes in social entrepreneurship marks a significant departure from the conventional emphasis on the noble intentions of social entrepreneurs. This transition has reshaped the discourse by foregrounding the quantifiable impacts generated by social entrepreneurial endeavors, thereby redefining success criteria and challenging traditional perceptions.

References

Rawhouser, H., Cummings, M., & Newbert, S. L. (2017). Social Impact Measurement: Current approaches and Future Directions for Social Entrepreneurship Research. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 43(1), 82–115. https://doi.org/10.1177/1042258717727718

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