Faith-based enterprises as a function of social entrepreneurship amongst immigrants living in Yeoville
Date
2017
Authors
Tshandu, Palesa Vuyolwethu
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Abstract
This research report seeks to explore the organised behaviour of faith-based enterprises as a sub-function of social entrepreneurship. By assessing the moral intricacies which form the building blocks of social enterprises, the research report will use literature based on social entrepreneurship to draw parallels between social enterprises and faith-based ventures to suggest that the core of faith-based ventures (FBVs) is to make a social impact not just through disseminating faith, but acting as social agents. Therefore, this research will attempt to explore the extent of faith-based enterprises as a function of social entrepreneurship, identifying the opportunities and capabilities which are seen to be generated by faith, but that have a social impact that goes beyond the faith-based organisation. Using the qualitative research approach, data was collected from six faith-based entrepreneurs in Yeoville, through face-to-face semi-structured interviews, which were conducted over a period of three months to understand the role of the faith-based venture and its social impact. By conducting a qualitative inquiry to facilitate the meaning-making process, face-to-face interviews were conducted to create a naturalistic understanding of the study, particularly assessing their role and their function in society. Biases, feelings and thoughts were recorded in order to understand the participants’ motives, purposes and the causes that underlie these actions. The findings of the study suggest that the role of FBVs acting as social agents are dependent on the reach of their audience, including the extent of their scalability which they have developed which would provide insights into the degree that the faith-based venture can have social impact. This research will conclude having suggested that the “new-age” faith-based ventures have transitioned from only providing the basic faith, to now mimicking a social enterprise, therefore implying that FBVs are another dimension of social entrepreneurship.
Description
A research report submitted to the faculty of Commerce, Law and Management University of the Witwatersrand in partial fufilment of the requirements for the Degree Masters in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation
Johannesburg, 2017
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Citation
Tshandu, Palesa Vuyolwethu (2017) Faith-based enterprises as a function of social entrepreneurship amongst immigrants living in Yeoville, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, <http://hdl.handle.net/10539/23058>