Exploring the motivating factors for opportunity recognition among social entrepreneurs: a qualitative study

PurposeThis paper explores the motivating factors that lead to opportunity recognition among social entrepreneurs in India.Design/methodology/approachThe study followed an exploratory, qualitative design based on thematic analysis of the interview data collected from 13 Indian social entrepreneurs.FindingsThe study identifies two aggregate factors that motivate social entrepreneurs: personal and contextual. Personal factors include life experiences, social awareness, social inclination since childhood, spiritual motives, the need for a meaningful career and entrepreneurial intention. Contextual factors included institutional voids, community development, the presence of a role model and volunteer experiences.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the social entrepreneurship literature by providing a model for motivating factors that lead to opportunity recognition. This study enables policymakers and social entrepreneurship educators to identify aspiring social entrepreneurs and provide target-specific support to them.Practical implicationsThis study enables policymakers and social entrepreneurship educators to identify aspiring social entrepreneurs and provide target-specific support to them.Originality/valueThe study uniquely contributes to the social entrepreneurship field by offering deep qualitative insights into the motivational and opportunity recognition patterns of social entrepreneurship.