Social networks and social entrepreneurship: A review

What is it about?

This article looks at social networks in the context of social entrepreneurship. Reviewing the extant literature, four themes are identified: 1) social entrepreneurship is embedded in a network of relationships with other sectors of activity and with other actors of society; 2) social entrepreneurship is often undertaken collectively, by a coalition of actors; 3) social networking is a critical activity for the success of social entrepreneurial endeavour; and 4) social entrepreneurship creates social capital for society. Thereafter, the article explores how social networks can be understood as an antecedent to social entrepreneurship. Drawing on broader entrepreneurship literature, it offers four avenues for future research building on resource distribution, diffusion of ideas, structural hole, and network crytallization arguments.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Research needs to identify what is different in social entrepreneurship, why it is different, and why it matters. As antecedents are likely to imprint the social entrepreneurial process in an enduring way, it is important to explore what leads to the emergence of social entrepreneurship. Social networks are an interesting and promising avenue in this regard.