Structure of social entrepreneurship: Multilevel analysis of its characteristics in scientific literature
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36517/contextus.2025.95481Keywords:
multilevel analysis; social entrepreneurship; PRISMA 2020; IRaMuTeQ; systematic review.Abstract
Background: Social entrepreneurship has gained prominence as an innovative strategy for addressing complex social challenges through purpose-driven initiatives and measurable social impact. Despite growing academic interest, gaps remain in understanding its defining characteristics and how these manifest across different levels.
Purpose: This study aims to describe the structural elements that characterize social entrepreneurship at the individual, organizational, and institutional levels, synthesizing findings from the academic literature and identifying how these elements are expressed at each level.
Method: A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 protocol. The search was performed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Data were analyzed using Descending Hierarchical Classification with the IRaMuTeQ software, enabling the identification of lexical patterns and thematic categories.
Results: At the individual level, key traits and competencies of social entrepreneurs include empathy, persistence, moral obligation, compassionate love, and leadership grounded in transparency and integrity. At the organizational level, the alignment of mission and strategy, social impact measurement, and hybrid models that balance social and economic goals are central to performance. At the institutional level, social entrepreneurship is shaped by public policies, inter-institutional arrangements, and social capital, while also having the potential to transform institutional structures and drive systemic change.
Conclusions: Achieving the goals of social entrepreneurship requires the interplay of individual competencies, organizational practices, and institutional influences. By synthesizing previously fragmented knowledge, this study provides a structured understanding of the research streams and analytical categories that define the field, offering valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and institutional players.
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