Social entrepreneurship and cultural contextualization: a review

Purpose - This study aims to provide insights into the conceptualization of social entrepreneurship and the extent to which culture affects it. Design/methodology/approach - First, social entrepreneurship is conceptualized and then the research integrates Hofstede’s framework, with some consideration for Inglehart’s and Schwartz’s framework in exploring the effects of cultural values. Findings - Seminal studies on social entrepreneurship delineated acting entrepreneurially and having a social mission but failed to consider cultural contextualization. After illustrating Hofstede’s, Inglehart’s and Schwartz’s frameworks for cultural dimensions, the research shows that different cultural dimensions can provide a better understanding of social entrepreneurship. Research limitations/implications - This study has a limited scope as it relies on narrow conceptualizations of social entrepreneurship and culture. Practical implications - Future national agendas should embrace varying notions of shared obligation across support institutions and enterprises as they attempt to address social problems across differing cultures. Originality/value - This research contributes to the literature by providing an insightful understanding of the influence of culture on social entrepreneurship through integrating widely used cultural dimensions.