A theoretical analysis of social entrepreneurship: The case of Poland and South Africa

Authors

  • Natanya Meyer DHET-NRF SARChI Entrepreneurship Education, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Prof W?odzimierz Sroka WSB University, Poland and University of Johannesburg, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15549/jeecar.v8i1.596

Keywords:

social entrepreneurship; barriers; policy and government support; Poland; South Africa

Abstract

As global trends are moving more towards social inclusion and green entrepreneurship many countries are changing the way they do business. This has sparked an interest in social entrepreneurship. Although much research has been conducted on this issue, fewer country comparisons are available and these could lead to an improved understanding of the topic. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide a theoretical analysis of social entrepreneurship comparing Poland and South Africa specifically focusing on the history, challenges, policy, and government support initiatives. The study followed a qualitative approach using document analysis by way of an intensive literature study. Findings indicated that social entrepreneurship is a global phenomenon and although it is of imperative importance as a means to improved social conditions, several barriers and challenges are prevalent. As with traditional for-profit businesses, social enterprises’ main barrier is access to finance.

Author Biographies

Natanya Meyer, DHET-NRF SARChI Entrepreneurship Education, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Natanya Meyer is an associate professor in the College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg. She is part of the DHET-NRF SARChI Entrepreneurship Education Chair. Her research focuses on entrepreneurial and economic related topics. She is a co-editor, editorial board and scientific committee member as well as reviewer for several national and international journals.

Prof W?odzimierz Sroka, WSB University, Poland and University of Johannesburg, South Africa

W?odzimierz Sroka is an associate professor at the Management Department of WSB University, D?browa Górnicza (Poland) as well as visiting professor at the University of Johannesburg (South Africa). His research interests include strategic management, with particular emphasis on inter-organisational cooperation, marketing, CSR and business ethics, entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship as well as innovations. He is the editor, co-editor, associate editor and editorial board member as well as reviewer for a number of national and international journals.

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Published

2021-03-08

How to Cite

Meyer, N., & Sroka, W. . (2021). A theoretical analysis of social entrepreneurship: The case of Poland and South Africa. Journal of Eastern European and Central Asian Research (JEECAR), 8(1), 133–148. https://doi.org/10.15549/jeecar.v8i1.596