Defining 'social entrepreneurship' has in the past proved problematic, and debate continues concerning what it does and does not entail and encompass. This unique book frames the debates surrounding the phenomenon and argues that many of the difficulties relating to the study of social entrepreneurship are rooted in methodological issues. Highlighting these issues, the book sets out ideas and implications for researchers utilising alternative methodologies. Contributors expertly present practical guides for researchers, setting out appropriate strategies and methods that can be adopted to explore and understand social entrepreneurship. Chapters include research strategies such as storytelling, action research and the case study, as well as the methods appropriate for understanding discourse, large data sets, and networks. The book also explores some challenges for researchers, and will be of particular interest to early career researchers or researchers first approaching the field.
Contents: PART I: CURIOSITY 1. Understanding the Social in Social Entrepreneurship Richard G. Seymour 2. Researching Social Entrepreneurship Richard G. Seymour PART II: POSTURE 3. Listening to Narratives Chris Steyaert and Michel Bachmann 4. Participating in Research Mathew Tasker, Linda Westberg and Richard Seymour 5. Bounding Research Settings K. Kumar and Jarrod Ormiston PART III: GATHERING 6. Discourse Analysis Fanny Salignac 7. Social Network Analysis Cynthia Webster and Jennifer Ruskin 8. Surveys and Data Sets Steven D'Alessandro and Hume Winzar 9. Drawing and Verifying Conclusions Richard G. Seymour PART IV: VOICE 10. The Challenge for Researchers Aaron F. McKenny, Jeremy C. Short and G. Tyge Payne Bibliography