Thesis (MTech (Entrepreneurship))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. / Background and research problem: There have been claims in academic literature that
social entrepreneurs, such as non-profit organisations and hybrid organisations that pursue
social outcomes are architects or innovators of community development. However to date,
there is no conclusive empirical evidence to support that claim.
Main purpose of the study: The main purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of
the opportunities created by social entrepreneurs, as architects of community development,
in communities they operate; identify the main challenges that the social entrepreneurs face
and come up with recommendations of how social entrepreneurs can deal with these
challenges. For the purpose of the study, the focus was on communities especially those
ravaged by various social ills.
Research methodology: A mixed method approach was adopted as the study was
underpinned by two paradigms namely, positivist and interpretivist philosophies. The survey
strategy was used in conducting the inquiry. Data was collected using semi-structured
questionnaires which were self-administered to 150 community members selected randomly.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 respondents. Computer aided statistical
method was used to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data was analysed using noncomputer
aided thematic techniques.
Main findings, conclusions and recommendations: The study found that the majority of
social entrepreneurs studied have been making positive contributions to various aspects of
community development. However, none of them has embraced the whole range of
community development aspects that are needed for a holistic approach to comprehensive
contribution. Reasons for failure to embrace a holistic approach include a lack of social
entrepreneurship development framework, and various operational and political challenges. It
is also important to mention that the research techniques used are not adequate to measure
certain types of social impacts of the social entrepreneur's efforts. For these, additional social
impact measuring techniques would need to be developed and employed.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:cput/oai:localhost:20.500.11838/2613 |
| Date | January 2017 |
| Creators | Malunga, Portia |
| Contributors | Mugobo, VV, Iwu, CG |
| Publisher | Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/za/ |
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