A Realistic Theory of Social Entrepreneurship: A Life Cycle Analysis of Micro-Finance

by Arvind Ashta, Muhammad Yunus

Overview

Using evidence from the microfinance sector, which is considered a leading sector of social entrepreneurship, this book attempts to push the boundaries of research in this field. While recent studies consider that commercial enterprises, not-for-profits and social enterprises are formed by entrepreneurs with different personal identities, they do not explain why these personalities may change before they convert their social enterprises, and change further at the stage of transitioning into commercial enterprises. Presenting a theory of development and evolution for social enterprises which examines the dynamics associated with change, impact and growth and an in-depth critical view of motivation, funding and profit, this book examines how that impacts the social mission and enterprise structure in the wake of hybrid and for-profit models and corporate philanthropy. The author highlights the ‘cracks’ in social entrepreneurship and asks how they are being filled, institutionally.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783030321413
Publisher:	Springer International Publishing
Publication date:	11/08/2019
Edition description:	1st ed. 2020
Pages:	138
Product dimensions:	5.83(w) x 8.27(h) x (d)

About the Author

Arvind Ashta is a Senior Professor at the Burgundy School of Business, France.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION: THE NEED FOR A DYNAMIC THEORY ON SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP. 1

1.1 The importance of SE research. 1

1.2 The limitations of SE research. 4

1.3 Introducing the life cycle concept. 8

1.4 Microfinance: A leading sector of SE, underrepresented in SE theory. 9

CHAPTER 2: SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP THEORETICAL WORK HAS BEEN STATIC.. 19

2.1 Level of the social entrepreneur. 20

2.2 Level of the social enterprise. 29

2.3 An application of the Static Version of the Realistic Theory of SE.. 32

CHAPTER 3: DYNAMICS OF A LIFE CYCLE THEORY BASED ON DEVELOPED COUNTRY HISTORIES 41

3.1 A Brief Review of the evolution of the life cycle Theory. 42

3.2 Application of the Life Cycle Theory to Historical Financial Innovations. 45

3.3 Application of the Life Cycle Theory to Ongoing Financial Institutions. 50

CHAPTER 4: EVOLUTION OF DEVELOPING COUNTRY MICROFINANCE AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION.. 58

4.1 The creation of MFIs: the embryonic stage. 60

4.2 The development and diffusion of MFIs. 63

4.3 Transformation of MFIs and the quest for social performance. 67

4.4 A shift in perspective to financial inclusion. 71

CHAPTER 5: EXTENDING THE REALISTIC THEORY TO A DYNAMIC LIFE CYCLE THEORY OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISE.. 82

5.1 The Embryonic stage. 84

5.2 Growth or Transformation from NGO to for-profits. 89

5.3 Shakeout. 95

5.4 Maturity and decline. 97

5.5 Decline. 97

CHAPTER 6: CONCLUDING REMARKS ON SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP THEORY DEVELOPMENT, TEACHING, AND FUTURE RESEARCH.. 101

6.1 Development of the Realistic Theory of SE.. 102

6.2 Practical considerations for SE training and education. 106

6.3 Limitations. 109

6.4 Future Research directions 111