Social Entrepreneurship--How is it different?

In the most edition of the Stanford Social Innovation Review, my friend and former colleague, Paul Light (now at NYU) writes succinctly and with great insight about this concept we hear so much about--social entrepreneurship. Originally coined by Ashoka president Bill Drayton, it refers to individuals and groups who do things differently and thus get different results. It is one of those labels that everybody seems to want but are a little fuzzy on how to be one!

Paul Light give us some ideas about the specifics of the concept. He discusses four new insights:

1. Social entrepreneurs are not like other high achievers. They think differently about problems.
2. Social entrepreneurial ideas are big. They are looking for sweeping changes.
3. Opportunities for grand change come in waves. There are moments of opportunity for big
4. Socially entrepreneurial organizations are built to make change. That is their purpose for being.

  

He adds two more from previous research.    

1. Social entrepreneurs do not always act alone. Groups and communities can be entrepreneurial.  
2. Old organizations can nurture social entrepreneurs. You don't have to throw out the old for the new. 

I think Paul is right on here. Read the article for more detail but think about how you can make your organization, your religious organization, or even your life more entrepreneurial. Sounds like there are ways to do it.

Comments

[Dan Bassill]

Here's a blog article that maps the resources of Northwestern University, which could be mobilized to support social engagement and long-term problem solving by students, faculty and alumni of the university. The ideas in this article can be applied by any university in the world. http://nututormentor.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mapping-nu

[David Barrie]

Suzanne, thanks so much for the link to the Paul Light article - really interesting. :)

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