Social Entrepreneurship Review (SER) (ISSN 2720-7277) is a peer-reviewed multi-disciplinary journal dedicated to serve as platform for academic debate on all issues relevant to social entrepreneurship including theoretical perspectives, cutting-edge research, and actionable solutions to identified problems of particular interest to policy makers, social entrepreneurs, managers, academics and researchers. Social Entrepreneurship Review publishes research results on social entrepreneurship from a range of scholarly perspectives based on different methodological settings: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. The paper’s special interest is in theory-inflected work and broader empirical studies with particular emphasis on Central and Eastern Europe and emerging or transitioning countries. Theoretical and review papers are also welcome as they provide new insights or valuable comments advancing our knowledge about social entrepreneurship. SER was previously published as Ekonomia Społeczna/Social Economy (ISSN: 2081-321X – print version; eISSN: 1898-7435 – online version) by the Małopolska School of Public Administration at the Krakow University of Economics. The journal has been published since 2007. From 2007 to 2008 it appeared quarterly, and since 2010 it has been issued semi-annually. Since 2021, the journal has continued under the title Social Entrepreneurship Review. ISSN: 2720-7277 – online version; DOI: 10.15678/SER. Publishing policy: Open Access, licence: cc-by 4.0. The journal is published on an open-access basis, allowing its resources to be used freely while respecting the authors' copyrights. Readers are obliged to follow the general rules of source referencing and citation, as they would with printed publications. The articles are published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0. By the end of 2022, SER was published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY-ND 4.0) License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0 Frequency: 2 issues per year (June, December) Access to archive issues is available for free via former website (In menu: All issues). Authors Guidelines (see: Submission section). Formerly published as Ekonomia Społeczna/Social Economy (ISSN: 2081-321X, eISSN: 1898-7435) between 2007 and 2020. Publisher: Krakow University of Economics
Developing a Conceptual Framework of African Immigrant Entrepreneurship in the South African Context
Background: Studies on immigrant entrepreneurship have generally focused on problems, features, and success aspects, whereas minimal attention has been paid to building a conceptual framework for understanding African immigrant entrepreneurship in South Africa. Research objectives: This study aimed to construct an empirically informed conceptual framework of African immigrant entrepreneurship in South Africa. Research design and methods: A qualitative research method was used, involving semi-structured interviews with 22 African immigrant entrepreneurs and their employees. Data were gathered using purposive and convenience sampling and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The results show that home-country entrepreneurial experiences, entrepreneurial resources, opportunity recognition, social ethnic support, and the host-country entrepreneurial ecosystem all influence African immigrant entrepreneurship, enabling new venture creation and economic contributions. Conclusions: This research develops a conceptual framework that enhances our understanding of African immigrant entrepreneurship and gives both theoretical and practical perspectives to academics, policymakers, and entrepreneurship development practitioners in South Africa.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bernard Lama Ngota, Elroy Eugene Smith, Ayanda Pamella Deliwe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Entrepreneurship Education in Shaping Students’ Social Responsibility Attitudes: Empirical Evidence from the University of Tehran
Background: Scholars increasingly recognise entrepreneurship education not only for developing entrepreneurial competencies but also for fostering ethical awareness and social responsibility among students. However, empirical evidence on its impact on students’ attitudes toward social responsibility remains limited. Research objectives: The study examined the impact of entrepreneurship education on students’ attitudes toward social responsibility at the Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran. Research design and methods: I employed a quasi-experimental design, comparing two groups of students: first-year students as the control group and final-year students as the experimental group. I collected data with a researcher-designed questionnaire adapted from validated instruments, including the Michigan Student Social Responsibility Survey and Martínez et al. (2015). The questionnaire measured five dimensions of social responsibility: striving for excellence, integrity and honesty, community participation, respect for others’ perspectives, and ethical reasoning. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including independent samples t-tests, served the data analysis. Results: The findings revealed that students who completed entrepreneurship education scored significantly higher on all dimensions of social responsibility than those not yet trained. Conclusions: The results suggest that entrepreneurship education not only develops entrepreneurial competencies but also meaningfully fosters ethical awareness and social responsibility among students.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tayebeh Nikraftar, Mahdieh Jafari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Women’s Entrepreneurial Activity in Rural Areas and the Use of European Union Funds: The Example of Poland
Background: Rural women’s entrepreneurship holds significant importance, often underestimated despite its pivotal role in sustainable household and local community development. With Poland’s socio-economic transformation, their assigned roles have undergone structural changes. Research objectives: The aim of the article is to examine the activity of women in obtaining EU funds as part of activities aimed at rural areas that contribute to the development of entrepreneurship in rural areas. Research design and methods: Association (independence) analysis was conducted using data from the 2024 Polska wieś i rolnictwo report, exclusively focusing on the responses provided by 780 women. Results: The findings underscore rural women’s innovative contributions to social initiatives and the preservation of Polish rural traditions, showcasing their leadership qualities and proficiency in managing household budgets. Conclusions: The authors believe that the topic addressed in this article is trending. In the literature on the subject, few articles address on the role and importance of rural female entrepreneurship in different industries.
Copyright (c) 2026 Monika Wojcieszak-Zbierska, Michał Roman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Modern Educational Paradigm in India: Integrating Social Entrepreneurship into Higher Education
Background: Social entrepreneurship education (SEE) is gaining global prominence as a mechanism for developing competencies to address complex social challenges. Despite urgent socioeconomic needs, SEE in India remains fragmented and marginalised in higher education curricula. Research objectives: This article examines competencies required for social entrepreneurship; the role of society in nurturing these competencies; factors influencing SEE; benefits of SEE at economic, social, and environmental levels; and required reforms in pedagogy, curriculum, and policy in the Indian higher education context. Research design and methods: Qualitative content analysis (QCA) of 70 peer-reviewed sources and the application of an inductive approach guided by the study objectives. Results: We identified five interconnected competency clusters: psychological, cognitive, functional, social, and meta. Society operates as an ecosystem enabler across four roles. Influencing factors are organised at external-environmental, organisational, individual, and contextual levels. Nine pedagogical approaches and five curricular components were synthesised, with six policy recommendations anchored in NEP 2020. Conclusions: Effective embedding of SEE in Indian higher education requires simultaneous reform in pedagogy, curriculum, and policy. NEP 2020 provides a relevant enabling framework, but significant implementation gaps remain to be addressed, particularly in faculty capacity and institutional resources.
Copyright (c) 2026 Riton Mondal, Sajid Jamal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Social Economy in Central Europe: A Comparative Study of the V4 Countries
Background: The social economy has gained increasing recognition in Central Europe for its potential to enhance social inclusion and economic resilience. Research objectives: This study aimed to map and compare the social economy entities in the Visegrad Group (V4) countries, with a dual focus on national specificities and the broader EU framework. Research design and methods: Employing secondary data analysis, the research drew on the Eurostat database and the European Commission’s 2024 benchmarking report. The data was structured and analysed comparatively by legal forms and across the V4 countries. Results: The analysis reveals pronounced national variations in the prevalence and structure of social economy entities. Associations dominate in the Visegrad countries, with social enterprises and foundations playing more significant roles in Poland and Hungary. Conclusions: The findings indicate that while the social economy has common roots across the Visegrad region, national institutional contexts shape its development paths, underscoring the need for policy frameworks that recognise both regional convergence and country-level diversity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Richárd Resperger https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Digital Educational Innovation in the Social Economy: A Configurational Analysis Using the Technological Innovation Systems Framework
Background: Although digitalisation delivers business-level benefits and higher education institutions (HEIs) are expected to advance the digital social economy (SE), many universities still lack coherent digital transformation strategies. Consequently, SE curricula do not integrate digital tools and competences adequately, thus limiting the graduates’ ability to address complex social challenges. Research objectives: This study examined how digital competences are integrated into SE education not merely instrumentally but as a substantive learning domain. It asked: (a) how SE initiatives teach digital and technological innovation and (b) what system functions enable the development and scaling of such innovations. Research design and methods: Using the technological innovation systems framework, the study involved a configurational analysis of eight cases of SE education in four European countries. Results: Three clusters emerge, namely civic platforms, institutional living labs, and lifelong learning initiatives, which reflect distinct constellations of enabling conditions shaped by institutional density, funding logics, and regional disparities. Conclusions: The findings challenge universal models of digital SE education, underscoring the need for context-sensitive and pluralistic implementation strategies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Federica Bandini, Paola Canestrini, Marek Ćwiklicki, Christina Galani, Stergios Kyratzopoulos, Sofia Kantsiou, Norbert Laurisz, Stratos Nalmpantis, Kamila Pilch, Maria Vittoria Prudentino, Eirini Erifyli Tzekou https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Public Policy on Cooperatives: A Qualitative Analysis of Türkiye’s Strategy and Action Plans
Background: In recent years, the social and solidarity economy (SSE) has emerged as a central framework on inclusive and sustainable development. The recent studies illustrate their institutionalisation in different regions, contributions to sustainability, challenges for transformative potentials, and comparison of public policies. Research objectives: The first objective was to situate Türkiye and its public policy on cooperatives within the global outlook. Another aim was to track the continuity and change in this public policy. Research design and methods: This study adopted a qualitative approach and applied a thematic analysis. Two documents used in this research, namely the Turkish Cooperatives Strategy and Action Plan (2012–2016) and Türkiye Cooperative Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2029), stand as the most significant policy papers about cooperatives. Results: The thematic analysis compares the contents, strategic objectives, actions, governance frameworks, similar themes, and paradigm shifts, as well as strengths and weaknesses. Conclusions: The study shows that Türkiye tends to favour top-down, market-oriented social enterprises over grassroots and transformative organisations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Özgür Burçak Gürsoy, Aylin Çiğdem Köne https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Role of environmental inquiry in evidence-based social welfare cases
The purpose of the study is to explain the role of environmental inquiry as source of legal evidence in the procedure of granting social welfare. Environmental inquiry has several functions to fulfill. It is an integral part of social work. In social welfare cases it serves the purpose to collect all necessary information and data on the applicant asking for social care benefits. Hence environmental inquiry is a specific evidence-based investigation, in which there is both penetration and confrontation with other pieces of evidence, such as statements of the parties, contents of official and sometimes private documents, testimonies of witnesses or also results of inspections in the place of stay of the person (family) seeking assistance or benefiting from social welfare. Because of its importance in the investigation, other steps in administrative procedures depend on this inquiry. The study refers to by legal acts, selected cases and doctrine views and presents the features of environmental inquiry, sometimes referred to as ‘the family inquiry’ as part of evidence-based investigation in social welfare cases.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alina Miruć https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Activation of the elderly at the commune level
The multiannual "Senior +" program for 2015-2020 adopted by resolution No. 34 by The Council of Ministers on March 17, 2015 is a planning act that addresses the issue of activation of senior citizens. The subject of the study is primarily the presentation of the current legal status and jurisprudence on the implementation of tasks specified in this act. Considerations are conducted from the point of view of forms and ways of implementing tasks by the commune in the area of activating elderly people under the "Senior +" program and assessing the nature of these tasks. The article employs the theoretical and dogmatic method.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dorota Sylwestrzak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Legal forms of cooperation between local public administration and non-governmental organizations in counteracting social exclusion
Counteracting social exclusion, although it is not legally binding, is the subject of public administration agenda. The administration, acting for the benefit of individuals, as part of its rendering function, performs tasks which foundations lie in many legal acts, and which essence addresses social exclusion. As part of their statutory tasks, Polish NGOs operate in areas that fall within the sphere of social administration. Both of these activities are important from the point of view of the interest of individuals at risk or subject to social exclusion. In their areas of activity - administrative bodies and non-governmental organizations - are subject to different regulations. The focus of this paper is on those regulations which form the basis for effective cooperation and allow combining the potentials of both these sectors. It should be noted that in the system of administrative law there are many examples of regulations that provide the basis for cooperation between various legal forms.
Copyright (c) 2026 Agata Barczewska-Dziobek https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Social exclusion from the perspective of hierarchy competition theory
Social exclusion can be viewed as an example of depriving an individual of membership in an association or as a significant restriction of rights within a given hierarchy. In this context, social life in a given country can be analysed as not only competition between smaller hierarchies, but also as a hierarchy covering the entire public sphere. The purpose of the article is to indicate the possibility of using the hierarchy competition theory to analyse the issue of social exclusion, shown in different contexts. Social exclusion can also be illustrated by examples taken from various fields of human activity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Piotr Szreniawski https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Event impact assessment and community-based tourism: The case of a Portuguese Music Festival MEOSudoeste
Background: As integral components of the event industry, music festivals significantly impact local communities and encompass social, cultural, economic, political, physical, and environmental dimensions. We may perceive this impact as either positive or negative. As event tourism continues to grow in importance, there is an increasing need for evaluation methodologies that promote sustainable development through more participatory approaches. Research objectives: This article examines how impact assessment methodologies, grounded in action research, can enhance community engagement and support the principles of Community-Based Tourism (CBT). Research design and methods: Drawing on evidence from research conducted on the MEO Sudoeste music festival in Odemira, Alentejo/Portugal, the study explored the potential of this notable event to foster community involvement, despite its limited adoption of the CBT paradigm. Results: The findings emphasize the importance of collaborative evaluation processes in balancing benefits and costs and supporting informed decision-making for large-scale tourism events. Conclusions: Collaborative evaluation contributes to improving the long-term sustainability of large-scale tourism events.
Copyright (c) 2025 Authors https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Land tenure and population exchange: Intermarginal disintegration in the Ormánság. Social Entrepreneurship Review
Background: The study explores the demographic and social challenges in peripheral rural regions shaped by a self-restrictive “one-child strategy” among the Reformed majority and the long-standing exclusion of Roma communities, leading to cumulative marginalization. Research objectives: The main objective of this study is to introduce the concept of intermarginal disintegration to elucidate how overlapping forms of social, ethnic, and demographic marginality exacerbate crises in peripheral regions. Research design and methods: The research is grounded in a qualitative approach combining content analysis of secondary sources, historical documents, and selected demographic indicators. The Socio-Ethnic Exclusion Index (SEK-index) was developed as a composite measure to integrate five dimensions of socio-ethnic exclusion. Results: The findings indicate that classical core-periphery models are insufficient to capture the complex and interrelated marginalization processes affecting the region. Conclusions: The proposed framework provides novel insights into the process of rural social restructuring. It offers analytical support for the development of more effective social and regional policies that are aimed at promoting long-term recovery in peripheral regions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Author https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Community-driven food networks as vehicles of rural social innovation
Background: Rural communities in Cape Breton, Canada, face persistent challenges such as food insecurity, social isolation, and economic marginalization. Community-led food networks rooted in social economy values have emerged as innovative responses that provide dignified, culturally relevant access to food. This article’s novelty lies in its comparative, community-engaged analysis of an Indigenous and a non-Indigenous rural model, treating food networks as infrastructures of rural social innovation rather than charity. Research objectives: This study explored how community-driven food networks contribute to rural development and social innovation by fostering inclusion, empowerment, and resilience. Research design and methods: Using a qualitative case study approach, the research examined two food networks in rural Cape Breton through document analysis, community feedback, observation, and interviews with key stakeholders. Results: The findings reveal that integrated programming, i.e., combining food access, wellness, and employment initiatives, enhances social cohesion, local capacity, and community dignity. Conclusions: Community food networks exemplify how social economy initiatives can transform rural spaces into hubs of innovation and care.
The contribution of agritourism to social innovation and sustainable development in the rural areas of the Portuguese Beja region
Background: Nowadays, agritourism constitutes an alternative activity to traditional agriculture, fostering socioeconomic dynamics and promoting social innovation in rural territories. Research objectives: This study aimed to analyze the contribution of agritourism to social innovation and sustainable development in rural areas of the Beja region (Portugal). Research design and methods: Methodology followed a qualitative case study approach, involving eight microenterprises. The study involved the analysis of data collected through semi-structured interviews with the companies’ managers to validate a theoretical model based on two key propositions. These premises assume that agritourism businesses contribute to social innovation and the region’s sustainable development. Results: The results show a consensus on the environmental, economic, and social contributions of agritourism, while perceptions regarding social innovation revealed some variability. Nevertheless, the analysis validated the defined propositions. Conclusions: Findings suggest an overall positive effect of agritourism on the region, supporting its relevance as a driver of sustainable development and social innovation.
Agritourism, Social innovation, Sustainable development, Beja region
Country Housewives’ Associations as social economy entities and their areas of activity in Poland
Background: The aim of the article is to present the areas of activity of Country Housewives’ Associations in Poland and their role in local communities. The author will discuss this matter in the context of the Act of November 9, 2018 on Country Housewives' Associations. Research design and methods: The paper conducts a conceptual and theoretical analysis of the basic assumptions of social economy and entrepreneurship and of Country Housewives’ Associations as social economy entities, and reviewed the literature in this area. The study also involved the conduction of original survey research. Results: The research results indicate that Country Housewives’ Associations are active in various areas, including social, integration, and educational. In the course of their activities, they face many barriers. Members’ awareness of the social economy is at a low level. Conclusions: The activity of Country Housewives’ Associations as social economy entities in Poland plays an important role in local communities. The scope of the article encompasses only a fragment of the reflections, and scholars may supplement it with new data over time.
Income as a selected indicator of the social economy in human life
Background: Income constitutes a very important indicator in the social economy. The level and sources of income determine the level and quality of life of rural inhabitants. Research objectives: The research aimed to examine the impact of Poland’s accession to the European Union on changes in the income levels of households across basic socio-economic groups, as well as rural and urban residents, during the period 2004–2023. Research design and methods: An examination was conducted of the results of the household budgets conducted on an annual basis by the Statistics Poland (GUS) between 2004 and 2023. The determination of changes and income relationships was achieved by employing the index of variation, the coefficient of variation (Vi), and Spearman’s rank correlation. Results: There was a decrease in income disparities between farming families and non-farming families, which indicates a process of income convergence. A negative annual dynamic of changes in income was observed only in the case of farmers’ income. Farmers’ incomes also displayed the highest variability among the studied groups. Conclusions: Poland’s integration with the European Union (2004–2023) was a period in which factors favorable to the growth of agricultural incomes prevailed. Despite this improvement, families associated with agriculture displayed lower income levels, worse living conditions, and a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion compared to other socio-economic groups.
Institutional and territorial drivers of rural social enterprise ecosystems: Evidence from Finland
Background: This article investigates the interplay between institutional frameworks and territorial conditions in shaping the development of rural social enterprise (RSE) ecosystems in Finland. Research objectives: Drawing on comparative case analysis across three regions—Lapland, Satakunta, and Kainuu—the study identifies key configurations of governance structures, socio-economic conditions, and infrastructural dynamics that enable or constrain the emergence and sustainability of RSEs. Research design and methods: Through document analysis, expert interviews, and regional data, the research introduces the concept of "institutional–territorial fit" to explain the varied trajectories of ecosystem formation. Results: The findings show that successful RSE ecosystems are contingent on multi-level institutional coordination, place-based adaptability, and civic engagement. Conclusions: The article concludes with strategic recommendations for fostering resilient, inclusive, and territorially embedded social enterprise ecosystems.
Just energy transition and business models: Seeking a strategic management tool for energy communities
Background: Energy communities (ECs) are emerging as key actors in the shift toward a low-carbon and inclusive energy system aligned with the principles of just energy transition (JET). However, conventional business model tools often fail to reflect ECs’ social missions, democratic governance, and environmental goals. Research objectives: This study aims to evaluate the suitability of existing business model frameworks for analyzing ECs and to identify the components necessary for models aligned with JET. Research design and methods: I conducted a qualitative literature review, examining sources to compare conventional and alternative business model frameworks based on criteria derived from JET principles. Results: The analysis found that classical frameworks, such as the business model canvas (BMC), are insufficient for ECs, while alternatives like the triple layered business model canvas (TLBMC), social enterprise model canvas (SEMC), and value mapping tool (VMT) better address ECs’ hybrid organizational logic. Conclusions: Business model innovation must integrate social, environmental, and participatory dimensions to support ECs in advancing a JET.
Home or abroad? Following tourism choices in Hungary
Background: Continuing a research series started in 2020, the study analyzed the social and economic factors shaping tourism preferences, the application of motivation, and capital theories, with attention to the impact of COVID-19 and rising safety concerns. Research objectives: The aim was to identify and analyze the structural differences in travel behaviors and active tourism preferences between Hungarian tourists who primarily choose domestic destinations and those who prefer international travel. Research design and methods: The study involved an analysis of data from 533 respondents collected in 2024 via an online questionnaire by means of statistical tests investigating travel motivations, accommodation, activities, and demographics. Results: The findings reveal that domestic travelers typically opt for short, low-cost trips with partial board, prioritizing safety, simplicity, and familiarity. In contrast, international travelers favor longer stays, higher service standards, and full board, indicating higher discretionary income and a desire for status expression. Conclusions: The study underscores that travel preferences are not merely economic choices but are deeply embedded in social structures, cultural capital, and identity formation processes.
Exploring slow tourism in rural territories: Insights from the Alentejo Region in Portugal
Background: Slow tourism appeals to competent, independent travelers seeking meaningful and authentic experiences. This umbrella term encompasses responsible and sustainable tourism practices and holds a significant potential for the development of rural territories. Research objectives: The article offers a deep literature review that addresses slow tourism conceptualization and its importance for rural territories. I also aimed to verify whether accommodation business entrepreneurs in Alentejo (Portugal) engage in slow tourism in their website communication strategies. Research design and methods: A qualitative methodological approach was adopted based on a literature review. The empirical phase involved a systematic examination of the messages contained in communication slogans and commercial offerings on accommodation websites. Results: Although many companies do not explicitly identify as part of the slow tourism movement, their practices align with its principles. The latter promote authentic, relaxed, and immersive experiences linked to nature, local cuisine, culture, and sustainability. Conclusions: The results suggest that adopting the principles of slow tourism in rural territories provides visitors with authentic experiences and encourages the sustainable development of the Alentejo region.
Copyright (c) 2019 Author https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Editorial: Social Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries
Copyright (c) 2021 Social Entrepreneurship Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Money Attitudes and Personal Finances During the COVID-19
Background: Most of the research relates to previous major financial crises. The current coronavirus crisis is still ongoing, so the current analysis focuses primarily on people’s current preferences based on surveys. Research objectives: This work focuses on the analysis of the financial preferences of the group of people living and working in the Małopolskie Voivodeship in the last year. The choice of the form of making purchases, payments as well as savings and investments in the face of limitations caused by COVID-19 were analysed. Research design and methods: The adopted analytical-synthetic method is calculated to signal specific areas raising ethical doubts. Their exemplification leads to an attempt to define the key problem of modern finance, which is breaking away from the foundation of ethical values and, consequently, abandoning the common good as the social goal of all human activity. Results: The obtained results do not allow for the conclusion that in the analysed group, money attitudes significantly differentiate the financial choices of respondents during the restrictions related to COVID-19. The analysis of other factors related to the preferences of financial management allows for partial confirmation of hypothesis regarding the interest in online shopping and non-cash forms of payment has increased. Conclusions: The papers proved that the restrictions related to the coronavirus resulted in a significant increase in interest in new technologies, online shopping and modern payment methods.
Socio-professional Reintegration Services in the Era of the Covid-19 Pandemic in the Małopolska Region
Background: The research issues concern the most important aspects of socio-vocational reintegration and rehabilitation services (e.g. instruments of support, barriers of service delivery, effects of activities), cooperation in local communities and the scope of institutional support. Research objectives: The aim of this article is to present the most important implications of the coronavirus pandemic for socio-vocational reintegration services in reintegration units operating in the Małopolska Region. Research design and methods: The material constituting the basis for analysis is mainly the results of a survey conducted by the Regional Centre for Social Policy in Kraków in the framework of cyclical monitoring of the social economy sector in the Małopolska Region. 73 Reintegration Units participated in this part of the study out of 122 active ones in the Małopolska voivodeship in 2020. Results: The analysis makes it possible to conclude that the Covid-19 pandemic and related phenomena in the socio-economic sphere had a strong impact on the current functioning of reintegration units, reduced the scope of possible instruments for socio-occupational activation, which in turn had a negative impact on the results of support. The activities of the reintegration units, hampered by the pandemic, did not receive effective support from the public administration or local partners. The pandemic also limited the possibilities of cooperation between reintegration units in local communities. Conclusions: The long-term effects of which will probably be felt for an unspecified period of time, in order to improve the quality and effectiveness of socio-occupational reintegration services provided by reintegration units.
The Crisis and the Social Ethics of Finance. Selected Issues
Background: The crisis of modern finances is part of a longer process of lack of correspondence between economic life and the common social good. It fits in with the diagnosis of an anthropological error underlying contemporary economic activities. Research objectives: The aim of this article is to highlight selected moments related to the failure of the financial system in the context of ethical requirements that should be included in the functioning of this system. Their omission ultimately leads to serious individual and social damage, including the undermining of the freedom foundations of all economic decisions, including in the field of finance. Research design and methods: The adopted analytical-synthetic method is calculated to signal specific areas raising ethical doubts. Their exemplification leads to an attempt to define the key problem of modern finance, which is breaking away from the foundation of ethical values and, consequently, abandoning the common good as the social goal of all human activity. Results: The literature cited in the study, mainly in the area of the broadly understood ethics of economic life, supports its basic thesis about the key importance of ethical values in the process of avoiding eco-nomic crises. : The preseConclusionsnt text is therefore intended to recall the meanings of spiritual goods in the context of the financial crises, and the truth that, in fact, on the spiritual level does a real human encounter and a real multiplication of goods take place
Role of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Risk-Taking Tendencies in the Relationship Between Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurial Intention
Background: In order for entrepreneurs and people who intend to start a venture to be able to use their budgets optimally, to evaluate their investments correctly, to take risks for investment areas that will create opportunities, it is necessary to possess a proper set of skills. Research objectives: The study's primary purpose is to determine the mediating role of entrepreneurs' self-efficacy and risk-taking tendency in the relationship between financial literacy and entrepreneurial intention. The study also aims to establish whether relationships between financial literacy, entrepreneur self-efficacy, risk-taking tendency, entrepreneurial intention, significantly differ according to gender, age, financial literacy and entrepreneurship training. Research design and methods: The sample of the study consists of university students who are potential entrepreneur candidates in the future. Relationships between financial literacy, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, risk-taking tendency and entrepreneurial intention were analysed using simple linear regression analysis. SPSS PROCESS (Hayes) plugin was used to test the mediating effects. Results: It was observed that the participants could be evaluated at an acceptable level in terms of financial literacy. However, they were at a moderate level in terms of entrepreneurship self-efficacy and intention and risk-taking tendency. When the relationships between financial literacy, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, risk-taking tendency and entrepreneurial intention were examined, it was concluded that there were significant and positive relationships between all of the variables discussed. Conclusions: Financial literacy, self-efficacy, risk-taking tendency and entrepreneurial intention are features that are in meaningfully supportive relationships.
Rebuild Trust or Stigmatize Unfair Practices: How Can Consumer Protection Institutions Shape Pro-social Attitudes of Banks
Background: One of the problems visible on the financial market is the crisis of social trust institutions. Consumers of financial services should be protected, but inadequate protection has negative consequences for consumers themselves, but also for the functioning and stability of the market. Research objectives: The aim of the study was to examine whether by analysing consumer decision making mechanisms, a path towards improving mutual trust between consumers and financial service providers can be identified. Research design and methods: Based on the data obtained in the CAWI survey, an analysis of social preferences and protection of consumers of financial services (in the light of Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour) was carried out on a group of 200 respondents. Results: Social norms are the main determinant of consumer behaviour in the financial market, and therefore consumer norms need to be changed. Social norms can be changed by attitudes, but the process is long and requires the efforts of all market participants. Although the road to rebuilding trust by changing social norms seems long, the direction looks right. Conclusions: Institutional protection (understood both as requirements for banks and consumer financial education and rights) is not sufficient to ensure effective protection of consumers of financial services. An important pillar of this protection is also trust between consumers and financial institutions. This trust should be built on both sides and linked to a change in acceptable social norms.
Exploring social entrepreneurship dynamics in sustainable tourism: A case study of Morocco’s Al Haouz Province
Background: Many now recognize social entrepreneurship as an effective strategy to address social and environmental challenges while promoting economic development. Research objectives: This study aims to examine the objectives, strategies, and outcomes of social entrepreneurs operating in the tourism sector in Al Haouz Province, Morocco. Research design and methods: The research employed a qualitative approach to explore various social enterprises engaged in sustainable tourism, including community-based tourism initiatives, eco-lodges, and fair-trade handicraft cooperatives. Results: Findings indicate that social entrepreneurs implement diverse strategies to enhance social inclusion and sustainability in tourism. Key approaches include community involvement, capacity building, cultural preservation, and ethical tourism practices. The study also identifies critical factors that influence the success of social entrepreneurship in sustainable tourism. Conclusions: The research highlights the importance of fostering an enabling environment for social entrepreneurship in tourism. Policy recommendations focus on the development of financial mechanisms, capacity-building programs, and regulatory frameworks to support social enterprises in this sector.
Entrepreneurial learning process after a business failure
Background: Entrepreneurial research often overlooks failure as a catalyst for learning. Understanding how entrepreneurs recover from failure and apply their experiences to new ventures proves crucial for developing resilience. Research objectives: This study examines how micro-entrepreneurs who faced total business failure acquire new knowledge and adapt through entrepreneurial learning. Research design and methods: We conducted a qualitative exploratory study with five entrepreneurs who restarted businesses after bankruptcy. We collected data via semi-structured interviews and analyzed them using narrative-based content analysis. Results: Despite significant financial and emotional costs, entrepreneurs actively engaged in meaning-making and knowledge acquisition. Emotional processing and resilience-building enhanced their ability to adapt and overcome challenges. Conclusions: Entrepreneurial learning plays a key role in business recovery. The findings emphasize the importance of meaning creation, knowledge development, and emotional adaptation in navigating failure and fostering long-term entrepreneurial success.
Social entrepreneurship development in collective-based initiatives: A qualitative study of African Burial Societies
Background: The Global North determines the agenda for most discussions between scholars and policymakers. Research objectives: The article investigates how studies featuring the African context can enhance social entrepreneurship theories. Research design and methods: Current theorization lacks clarity on initiatives that use for-profit ventures to create value only for their members and those that create value for the broader society. Although many scholars portray both of these initiatives as characteristic of social entrepreneurship, this article challenges that view through the venture matrix it develops. The study applies the matrix to a homogeneous case of 145 African burial societies. Results: The results of the study support the matrix. Using extant literature on social capital in collective-based initiatives (CBIs) and findings from a qualitative study of 13 burial societies that operate for-profit ventures, the article presents a model of social entrepreneurship development in CBIs and discusses its practical implications. Conclusions: Burial societies in Africa are changing, embracing social entrepreneurship and providing researchers with new lenses for their understanding.