Social entrepreneurs employ market-based methods to fill gaps in the provision of social
goods or services. In the growing field of academic research on social entrepreneurship,
surprisingly few studies investigate the factors that drive social entrepreneurs to create value
for others. This Book presents two qualitative studies and one quantitative study that
examine motives experienced by social entrepreneurs and the rewards they receive.
The first two studies are based on a qualitative, phenomenon-driven case study exploring the
motives and rewards for social entrepreneurship. In contrast to the social entrepreneurship
literature, findings from these studies suggest that social entrepreneurs experience both selfand
other-oriented motives. Further, the distinct emotions of passion and frustration precede
self-oriented motivation, while the emotions of sympathy and empathy precede otheroriented
motivation. Having a successful venture is a key reward for social entrepreneurs
and awareness that the venture is achieving social aims contributes to social entrepreneurs'
experience of personal growth and well-being. Although financial rewards are not primary
drivers of social entrepreneurship, there seems to be a threshold of financial returns, below
which it is difficult to sustain engagement in the venture.
