Entrepreneurial orientation, externalities and social entrepreneurship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider how the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) may support or diminish the creation of social value. Design/methodology/approach The approach applies Lumpkin and Dess’s multidimensional conceptualization of EO to the growing body of literature on social entrepreneurship. Findings Propositions on the effects of autonomy, competitive aggressiveness, innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking on social value creation are developed. Research limitations/implications The propositions offered in the paper suggest avenues for future empirical studies that seek to examine the impact of EO on social, rather than financial, performance. Originality/value A significant body of research has examined the relationship between EO and financial performance, but potential implications for social value creation remain unclear. This paper seeks to address this gap in understanding of EO and social entrepreneurship and argues that two components of EO may adversely impact the creation of social value.