RESPONSIBLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP VISION DEVELOPMENT AND ETHICS

Social entrepreneur: Does literature match reality? 207
social entrepreneur among practitioners and the advocated by literature. Both perspectives
consider that the social entrepreneur is a visionary person that makes the difference, focuses
his attention on others and aims to help and solve social issues through innovative, creative
and unique solutions. His ultimate goal is to create and generate social value in a non-profit
way.
Although it was interesting to note that Romanian respondents considered social entre -
preneurs opportunists, this view goes in line with one of the oldest definitions analysed in
this study, that belongs to Leadbeater (1997).
Practitioners from different countries identified some common key features for successful
entrepreneurs. Though, some characteristics were identified only in some countries, highlighting
the importance of the context in social entrepreneurship, as stated in literature (Kelley
et al., 2015). The main characteristics considered important regard to personal attributes and
transversal skills, encountering literature (Abu-Saifan, 2012; Spinelli & Adams, 2012). In general,
most characteristics that distinguish social entrepreneurs from others and that make the
difference in their success appear both in literature and stakeholders’ perspectives (e.g. creativity,
determination, initiative or adaptability).
Notwithstanding, social attributes seem to stand out in practitioners’ perspective, especially
networking and communication. Such characteristics are less present in literature, revealing
a small gap between theory and practice.
Conclusions
Social entrepreneurship has recently emerged as an area of emphasis for the society and
at the same time aroused great interest in the academic world. The exploratory study leads at
concluding that the definition of “social entrepreneur” present in literature is supported by the
opinion of experienced people in the area. Also, the main features that make the social entrepreneur
successful seem to be supported by data collected in the field. Therefore, the study
shows a general match between literature and reality. It is important, nevertheless, to note that
social skills are particularly seen as relevant for social entrepreneurs’ success by practitioners
and less highlighted by theory, putting in evidence a new point of interest for researchers.
Regarding the targets inquired, data collected allowed not only to compare theory and practice,
identifying differences and similarities, as it provided an unique opportunity to look at
the different perspectives from five European countries, with different realities. Indeed, differences
found reinforce the importance of the context, already stated by literature. The analysis
also leads at raising questions in what concerns the relevance of constructing a consensual
framework for a common definition across the European Union, comprising the special features
of each economy and context. The study suggests further research to build on this issue,
allowing supranational entities to define guidelines to a clearer definition and perhaps legislation
on social entrepreneur throughout European countries.
References
Abu-Saifan, S. (2012). Social entrepreneurship: definition and boundaries. Technology Innovation Management
Review, 2(2), 22–27.