Determining the antecedents of social entrepreneurial intention in Madagascar

Abstract

Social entrepreneurship is widely viewed by scholars as a way to address social challenges that governmental and non-governmental agencies have neglected. In the case of Madagascar, a country characterized by corruption, poor governance acute poverty and a victim of recurring natural disasters, the topic of Social Entrepreneurship (SE) appears to be relevant. This research provides a comprehensive understanding on the antecedents that enhance Social Entrepreneurial Intention (SEI) in a unique African context that has been under-researched.

The study adopted a quantitative approach and is cross-sectional in nature. With a total sample size of 330, the questionnaires were directly administered to the respondents which constituted the data for the research. Relationships and influences of the independent variables on the dependent variable were tested using correlational analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. With regards to perceived desirability. it was revealed that empathy is the only dimension that had a significant and positive influence SEI. Also, the findings suggested that only social support had a positive and significant influence on SEI.

In a context where SE seems to be a necessity, this study has various implications for researchers and practitioners alike. First, it could contribute as a starting point for policy and strategic reforms pertaining to entrepreneurship. Secondly, it highlights the need of social entrepreneurial education and practices in both the academic and organizational contexts, hence, the need for the involvement of all formal institutions. From an academic perspective, it provides a modest contribution towards existing theories and reinforces what previous studies have put forward. Equally, it provides a basis for future researchers to further extend the topic towards the identification of other influential factors of SEI in Madagascar and, perhaps even test for social entrepreneurial activities as a follow up study.