Competency Model of Social Entrepreneurs

Learning from Successful Indonesian Social Entrepreneurs

Abstract

Social entrepreneurship is a potential alternative to address social problems but social business still needs to be strengthened to provide far-reaching impact. One strategy to flourish is benchmarking against successful social enterpreneurs because previous studies show that entrepreneur’s competence is a determinant of small-medium business performance and growth. Social entrepreneur competencies which drive social business success and how these competencies are developed, unfortunately have not clear yet. This study aims to build a competency model for social entrepreneurs and to find out pattern (in method, period, sources) for developing competencies by studying successful Indonesian social entrepreneurs. The reports on social entrepreneur competency model presented in this paper. This research adopt qualitative approach using multiple case study design. Data collected by indepth interviewing 29 informants, studying documents and conducting field observation in eight cities. Results show that successful social entrepreneurs have shared competencies which indicate existence of social entrepreneur competency model. The result of this study complements empirical studies in social entrepreneurs’ competencies by showing competencies that drive success of social business i.e: Achievement orientation, Persistence, Initiative, Courage to take opportunities, Networking, Influencing others, Team leadership, Developing others, Teamwork-Colaboration, Orientation to help and serve others, Mission orientation, Affiliate interest, Creative problem solving. The finding has direct implication on social entrepreneur education and development programs included method, materials, design and sources of development because the competencies determine the success constitute mostly of attitudes, motives and traits instead of knowledge and skills.