In Search of Patterns: A Preliminary Investigation of Social Entrepreneurs in Mexico and India

The purpose of this exploratory research is to address gaps within the social entrepreneurship literature in India and Mexico while providing cross-sector and cross-country learning for academicians and practitioners. The study compares two nations in which the practice of social entrepreneurship far outpaces the academic research, making the superficially disparate countries an excellent backdrop to explore motivations, leadership style, and influences social entrepreneurs experience while starting and managing their enterprises. The analysis of the qualitative data indicates five important conclusions as propositions for action. First, social capital matters. Data repeatedly showed that social entrepreneurs relied on and developed strong networks across all types of social capital (i.e., bridging, bonding, linking) to activate and manage their work to enhance the social wealth of others. Second, the effectuation strategies implemented in both countries and across different sectors enabled social entrepreneurs to overcome constraints of previous experience and lack of affluence. Third, empathy and empowerment of others drive leadership styles of social entrepreneurs from both countries and in various sectors, giving educators and emerging social entrepreneurs direction for training and self-development. Fourth, flexibility as a leader and in organizational design is essential to start and succeed in driving social change within a community. Fifth, motivations to pursue social entrepreneurial actions are not consistent, indicating the evolution of social entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurs as demanded by our ever-changing, globalized world.