Title: Opportunity recognition of social entrepreneurs: an application of the creativity model

Authors: Javier Monllor, Sharmin Attaran

Addresses: Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies (MC 244), University of Illinois at Chicago, 601 S. Morgan St., Suite 709, Chicago, IL 60607, USA. ' Department of Managerial Studies, College of Business, University of Illinois at Chicago, 601 S. Morgan (MC 243), Chicago, IL 60607, USA

Abstract: Social entrepreneurship has only recently been studied and a comprehensive model of how it works is unknown. This paper presents a case analysis of various international social entrepreneurs to understand how social entrepreneurship opportunity recognition can be mapped and differentiated from commercial entrepreneurship by applying the creativity model of opportunity recognition. The study reveals that social entrepreneurs follow the creative opportunity recognition process, although some stages may include different activities. This paper hopes to begin the discussion of how to bring developed theory into the new realm of social entrepreneurship. Research propositions are provided in order to highlight future research opportunities.

Keywords: social entrepreneurs; opportunity recognition; OpRec; creativity models; case study; entrepreneurship; international entrepreneurs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2008.017389

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2008 Vol.6 No.1, pp.54 - 67

Published online: 04 Mar 2008 *

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