Social Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice

by Ryszard Praszkier, Andrzej Nowak

Overview

Social Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice details how social entrepreneurship can creatively solve pressing and seemingly insurmountable social problems. Theories of social change are presented to help demystify the “magic” of making an immense, yet durable and irreversible social impact. In-depth case studies from multiple disciplines and from around the globe document how social entrepreneurs foster bottom-up change that empowers people and societies. The authors review the specific personality traits of social entrepreneurs and introduce the new leadership model required for 21st-century development. This book is valuable to undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students, while remaining accessible to non-academic readers due to its clear language, illustrative case studies, and guidelines on how to apply social entrepreneurship, or become a successful social entrepreneur.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521767316
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	10/10/2011
Pages:	250
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Ryszard Praszkier, Ph.D., is a researcher at the University of Warsaw Complex Systems Research Center. His main field of interest involves the mechanisms of profound peaceful transitions, including social-change processes facilitated by social entrepreneurs, with a special focus on the role and properties of social networks supporting durable social change. Dr Praszkier has authored several academic publications regarding how social entrepreneurs find innovative ways to approach intractable conflicts. For more than 15 years, he has worked for Ashoka, Innovators for the Public, an international association that promotes social entrepreneurship in more than 70 countries.

Andrzej Nowak, Ph.D., is a professor and lecturer at the Florida Atlantic University, University of Warsaw (where he is the co-founder of the Institute for Social Studies and a founding director of the Complex Systems Research Center), Columbia University in New York and the Warsaw School of Social Sciences and Humanities (where he is the co-founder of the Institute of Social Psychology of Internet and Communication). Dr Nowak has written and contributed to a number of foundational theoretical books, monographs and articles in the fields of social psychology, dynamical social impact, social networks and dynamics of societal transition.

Table of Contents

Part I. Social Entrepreneurship: 1. Defining social entrepreneurship: an overview; 2. Dimensions of social entrepreneurship; 3. Identifying social entrepreneurship in practice; Part II. The Dynamics of Social Change: 4. Social change theories and dilemmas; 5. Equilibrium and complexity; 6. Theory of social emergence; Part III. Social Capital Built by Social Entrepreneurs: 7. Social capital; 8. Social networks: bedrock of social capital; 9. Personality traits that facilitate the building of social capital; Part IV. A New Kind of Leadership: 10. Social entrepreneurship: a dynamical account; 11. A new kind of leadership; 12. Addressing insurmountable problems and conflicts; Epilogue: the past and the future.

Editorial Reviews

Science can open a new line of understanding by observing phenomena closely. This is what is happening with Richard Praszkier and Andrzej Nowak’s book. It is a fascinating read that blends together cutting-edge scientific understanding with real life stories. It is a book that will not only explain but also invite much needed social change.”
— Andrea Bartoli, Columbia University


“World changers who are seeking inspiration, guidance, and how-to's should read this book; each of the twelve chapters is an encyclopedic synthesis of compelling social entrepreneurs’ stories and successful models for growing positive impact and building networks that improve society.”
– R. Paul Herman, CEO, www.HIPinvestor.com


“This book is unique: it combines rich and colorful cases from hard-earned practical experience with a theoretical basis for social entrepreneurship. Placed in the context of the social capital and social network theories, the work will show you how to find a fulcrum for change and how to leverage in producing lasting results. Praszkier and Nowak will tell you what characterizes successful social entrepreneurs and how to set off a process of social innovation for the betterment of communities, societies and, indeed, the world. With this book, the authors help institutionalize social entrepreneurship as a major force for the good.”
– Vladimir Zwass, Fairleigh Dickinson University


"...valuable.... The depth of this volume differs from that of how-to books such as Rupert Scofield's The Social Entrepreneur's Handbook (2011), or extended case study type works like Muhammad Yunus's Building Social Business (CH, Sep'10, 48-0381). This work will add clarity to any course covering social entrepreneurship.... Highly recommended..."
—J. J. Janney, University of Dayton, CHOICE


"...Social Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice provides good, concrete examples of successful social entrepreneurs, an overview of the processes, and a good introduction that offers opportunities for further discussion and motivation for research and development. It would be a valuable asset for any student wanting to learn about the field of social entrepreneurship, the development of social capital, and the functions of networks. The references provide a broad listing of research done on this topic..."
—Mr. George W. Doherty, PsycCRITIQUES

From the Publisher