The role of non-traditional business school programmes in fostering social entrepreneurship networks

Abstract

The research aims to establish what role non-traditional business school programmes play in fostering social entrepreneurial networks. The research highlights what role AMBA-accredited business schools play in fostering social entrepreneurial networks through the use of their non-traditional business school programmes. Central to any discussion on social entrepreneurship are the questions of who should and who can take responsibility for the needs of civil society (Roper and Cheney, 2005). Indeed, ideologically based questions emerge regarding the continuance and health of a civil society that is necessarily distinct from either the political or economic sector (Roper and Cheney, 2005). The importance of this research lies in the fact that it will highlight the current shortcomings of non-traditional business school programmes of AMBA-accredited business schools in South Africa, as well as the positive role that these business schools play in fostering social entrepreneurial networks. According to the results of this study, non-traditional business school products do foster social entrepreneurial networks; however it seems that these networks are not producing the results that are needed to solve the social needs of South Africa. The main finding of this research is the fact that individuals and organisations donate rather than getting actively involved in social entrepreneurial ventures. This results in social entrepreneurial ventures being reliant on donor funds rather than being self sufficient. This study relies heavily on literature from traditional entrepreneurship and could perform as a foundation for future studies on social entrepreneurship and the networks it consists of. As was pointed out by most of the expert interviews, the more research that is done in South Africa, the better the results on the economic and social fronts could be. Copyright