ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the key attributes or characteristics of social entrepreneurs and the reasons or motivations why some individuals decide to invest in social entrepreneurship ventures. Social entrepreneurs must therefore constantly devise new ways to tackle those challenges by developing new concepts and ideas and putting them into practice. Independent from the motivation factors, social entrepreneurs share a drive and passion for pursuing social issues. Social bricoleurs have the expertise and resources to address a local social need. Social constructionists generate substitute or alternative structures to provide services or products addressing a social need. Social engineers create a “newer, more effective social systems designed to replace existing ones when they are ill-suited to address significant social needs”. The goal – to engage in social entrepreneurship and be socially active and useful – is very topical when economic cycles are showing signs of weakness.
