1. AN ANALYSIS OF THE INTRINSIC AND
EXTRINSIC MOTIVATIONS OF
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS
PREM PRAKASH SINGH — MASTERS OF ARTS IN
SUSTAINABLE LEISURE
MANAGEMENT (2015-17).
Project Description
The purpose of this research is to examine the intrinsic and
extrinsic motivations of social entrepreneurs. Social
entrepreneurship has emerged as a complex yet promising
organizational form in which market-based methods are used to
address seemingly intractable social issues. This research
examines social entrepreneurs through the broader lens of
entrepreneurship (Fig 2). This research builds on the idea that
social entrepreneurs integrate social concerns with characteristics
more commonly associated with traditional entrepreneurship.
To better understand social entrepreneurs, an examination of their
motivations is necessary. Empirical research on various aspects
of social entrepreneurship is slowly growing but examinations
related to motivation remain under-studied. In contrast,
substantial theoretical and empirical work exists on the
motivations of traditional entrepreneurs. To fill a gap in the
growing literature and test existing motivation concepts, this
study endeavors' to better understand the motivations of social
entrepreneurs who integrate a social mission within their larger
business strategy.
Growing Importance – Social Entrepreneurship
 According to Peter Drucker, a prominent contemporary business
philosopher, “Social entrepreneurs are likely to become even more
important than entrepreneurs”.
 By embracing sustainability, social entrepreneurs are driving social
change in the community by catering to the needs of greater numbers of
people including the bottom of the pyramid market, which may not have
been possible through the government or any private entity.
 Social entrepreneurs mix altruism and capitalism to set goals. Using
market-based methods to solve social problems and creating social and
economic value has captured the media’s attention and public imagination
(Fig 3).
 Today, social issues such as global warming, poverty, unemployment are
adding grave challenges in the society. Social entrepreneurs are not only
important but essential in the current ecosystem; they are motivated to
promote a sustainable environment, a sustainable social order to protect the
triple bottom line (Fig 4).
Research Goals
The main research question is: What motivates social
entrepreneurs? This research question is further broken down into
two sub-questions:
1a) What internal factors motivate individuals to become social
entrepreneurs?
1b) What external factors motivate individuals to become social
entrepreneurs? (Fig 1)
Overall Benefit of this Research
 Through understanding shared experiences and feelings of social
entrepreneurs, it will help as positive reinforcements for other
individuals with social purpose. It can stimulate others (academia or
policy makers) to learn, adapt and implement motivational values
among individuals for overall betterment of society.
 The information provided in this research will contribute to uncover
insights for potential and existing social entrepreneurs.
 Increase awareness of the sector and its positive impact on
communities and the environment.
 Intrinsic Motivation–
Esteem Needs,
Persistence, Autonomy,
Relatedness, Self-
Recognition,
Independence,
Contentment.
 Extrinsic Motivation-
Reward, Social
Recognition,
Collectivism.
On-going findings….
Fig. 1. Research Model
Fig. 3. Hybrid Model Fig. 4. Triple Bottom Line
Fig. 2. Relationship between social entrepreneurship as a subset of entrepreneurship
 Social entrepreneurs have a
vision developed for the
fulfillment of social mission
through internal or/ and
external motivational factors.
 They identify the
opportunities or needs in
society to correct the injustice
and act accordingly to
enhance the wellbeing of a
targeted group or society.
Primarily objective is
financial gain.
Profit retained
for personal and
shareholders.
Adopt a mission
to create a
private value.
Profit/ customer
satisfaction is gauge
of value creation.
Are reformers (Part of system).
Entrepreneurship
Social Entrepreneurship
Primarily objective is social gain.
Profit reinvested in social cause.
Adopt a mission to create and sustain social
value
(with private value).
Social impact is a gauge to create value
(profit and customer satisfaction part of it).
Are reformers and revolutionaries (Change
the entire system).