Social entrepreneurship and cultural contextualization: a review

Purpose This study aims to provide insights into the conceptualization of social entrepreneurship and the extent to which culture affects it. Design/methodology/approach First, social entrepreneurship is conceptualized and then the research integrates Hofstede’s framework, with some consideration for Inglehart’s and Schwartz’s framework in exploring the effects of cultural values. Findings Seminal studies on social entrepreneurship delineated acting entrepreneurially and having a social mission but failed to consider cultural contextualization. After illustrating Hofstede’s, Inglehart’s and Schwartz’s frameworks for cultural dimensions, the research shows that different cultural dimensions can provide a better understanding of social entrepreneurship. Research limitations/implications This study has a limited scope as it relies on narrow conceptualizations of social entrepreneurship and culture. Practical implications Future national agendas should embrace varying notions of shared obligation across support institutions and enterprises as they attempt to address social problems across differing cultures. Originality/value This research contributes to the literature by providing an insightful understanding of the influence of culture on social entrepreneurship through integrating widely used cultural dimensions.