10 Must-Read Articles in the Journal of Social Entrepreneurship

Social entrepreneurship has emerged as an essential area of study that envisions addressing social issues with innovative, sustainable, and profitable business practices. The Journal of Social Entrepreneurship (JSE) is a premier publication in this field, dedicated to publishing rigorous theoretical and empirical research that contributes to the advancement of the social entrepreneurship discourse.

In this article, we have compiled ten must-read articles from the JSE that will provide insights into the current state of social entrepreneurship and its potential for shaping a better future for our society. These articles are diverse in their scope and methodology, but they all share a common goal of advancing our understanding of social entrepreneurship and its impact.

1. “The Business Model: Nature and Benefits in Social Entrepreneurship” by Filipe Santos and Elena Revilla

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the business model in social entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of creating value for multiple stakeholders and the potential for generating long-term social impact. The authors provide a framework for understanding the nature of social entrepreneurship business models and their benefits for sustainable social change.

2. “Social Entrepreneurship and Environmental Sustainability: A Conceptual Exploration” by Florian Kache and Janina Vilsmaier

This article explores the intersection of social entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability, arguing that social entrepreneurs have a unique role to play in addressing the complex environmental challenges facing our planet. The authors provide a conceptual framework that highlights the importance of combining social and environmental impact in social entrepreneurial ventures.

3. “Social Entrepreneurship and Innovative Pedagogy: An Empirical Exploration” by Gerhard Schewe and Tomi Laamanen

This article focuses on the potential of social entrepreneurship to transform higher education by promoting innovative pedagogies that foster creativity, critical thinking, and social awareness. The authors present an empirical study that examines the effectiveness of social entrepreneurship courses in promoting entrepreneurial competencies and social change among students.

4. “Social Entrepreneurship: Theoretical Antecedents and Empirical Analysis of Entrepreneurial Processes and Outcomes” by Johanna Mair and Julie Battilana

This article provides a comprehensive review of the theoretical antecedents of social entrepreneurship and examines the empirical evidence on entrepreneurial processes and outcomes in this field. The authors highlight the importance of context, institutional factors, and social networks in shaping the success of social entrepreneurial ventures.

5. “Social Entrepreneurship and Conceptions of the Good” by Alex Nicholls and Susan Brown

This article explores the ethical dimensions of social entrepreneurship, arguing that social entrepreneurs have a responsibility to articulate their conceptions of the good and to reflect critically on their impact on society. The authors provide a framework for understanding the diverse ethical perspectives in social entrepreneurship and offer recommendations for ethical decision-making in this field.

6. “Building Social Business: The New Kind of Capitalism that Serves Humanity’s Most Pressing Needs” by Muhammad Yunus

This article by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus presents the concept of social business, a new type of capitalism that prioritizes social impact over profit maximization. Yunus argues that social business has the potential to address poverty, hunger, and other social challenges while creating financial sustainability and generating more equitable economic systems.

7. “Social Entrepreneurs as Instruments of Social Change: Theoretical and Empirical Considerations” by Markus Beckmann and Andreas Blumauer

This article provides a critical examination of the role of social entrepreneurs as instruments of social change, arguing that social innovation and social justice should be at the core of social entrepreneurship. The authors analyze the challenges and opportunities facing social entrepreneurs and propose a theoretical framework for understanding their impact on society.

8. “Developing a Framework and Typology of Social Entrepreneurship Networks” by Johanna Mair and Ignasi Marti

This article presents a framework and typology of social entrepreneurship networks, which play a crucial role in facilitating knowledge exchange, resource mobilization, and social innovation in this field. The authors offer a comprehensive analysis of the different types of social entrepreneurship networks and their potential for fostering social change.

9. “Causal Recipes for Social Entrepreneurship: A Review and Ways Forward” by Alex Nicholls

This article offers a critical review of the existing literature on social entrepreneurship, highlighting the need for more rigorous empirical research and theoretical frameworks that can inform policy and practice in this field. The author proposes a “causal recipe” approach that combines theory-driven research with practical insights from social entrepreneurs and stakeholders.

10. “Social Entrepreneurship Research: Past, Present, and Future” by Roger L. Martin and Sally Osberg

This article reflects on the evolution of social entrepreneurship research over the past few decades and offers insights into its current state and future directions. The authors argue that social entrepreneurship research should be guided by a robust theoretical framework that aligns with the values and goals of social entrepreneurship and can inform strategic decision-making and policy development.

In conclusion, these ten must-read articles from the Journal of Social Entrepreneurship provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of social entrepreneurship research and practice, highlighting its potential for shaping a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive future for our society. We hope that this article will inspire and inform researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students who are interested in advancing the social entrepreneurship discourse and creating positive social change in their communities.

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