The rise of the social enterprise – an entrepreneurial gender perspective

Abstract: South Africa’s socio-economic landscape is plagued by persistently high rates of unemployment, poverty, joblessness and sluggish economic growth. These economic conditions have resulted in a reduction in government expenditure, as well as a struggle for survival. The social enterprise sector is absorbing much of this burden by attempting to alleviate social ills. Yet, the failure rates and lack of entrepreneurial spirit in social enterprises is concerning. Additionally, little insight exists whether social enterprises are entrepreneurial, as well as whether gender plays a role in this regard. The purpose of this study is to therefore determine whether gender differences exist in entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of South African social enterprises. This study was quantitative in nature, making use of an adapted measuring instrument based on prominent EO instruments. The study was conducted in social enterprises across South Africa, with 342 responses being received. Data was analysed by means of an exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis (through the Cronbach Alpha coefficient), as well as t-tests. Results indicated that only two dimensions of EO showed statistically significant differences between genders, namely proactiveness and competitive aggressiveness, with the risk-taking, innovativeness and autonomy dimensions showing no differences. The study is of value to social enterprises in South Africa as little research in EO has been conducted in this sector, thereby providing preliminary insights into gender specific differences in EO