Reshaping Social Entrepreneurship [Paul C. Light] - Response

            Paul Light argues that the definition of social entrepreneurship is “Too Tight for its Own Good.” Why is there such a deep focus on the traits of the single entrepreneur? He states that by widening the field, we can expand the support and impact of the work that social entrepreneurs do. This may be true, but go too wide, and some may miss the mark.

            The problems Light defines in the article of the current definition include neglect of the group or organization and the larger support system around which an entrepreneur may benefit. Neglecting the group is not the issue, however, the term “social entrepreneur” clearly alludes to an individual in contrast to a group of people. The individual’s pursuit is the compelling part of the story that may actually increase visibility for the mission rather than keep it in obscurity. Light hopes that “instead of one entrepreneur in a million, there may be one in a hundred or one in five,” suggesting that anybody could be a social entrepreneur, but I believe the entrepreneur is meant describe someone who seems to defy all odds to achieve change.

            Light says, “the most compelling research on business entrepreneurship suggests that successful change requires a stream of capabilities including leadership, management, marketing, organizational design, and finance.” Real momentum involves utilization of these skills. Yet groups and organization have many individuals, each with different personalities who may or may not be as motivated to spawn change and carry great accountability for the potential of failure as the person next to him. An individual may have many people around him who help move his vision forward, but he knows how to bring opportunity and action together.

            Although social entrepreneurs deserved great deal more visibility for their work, they are extraordinary because they are few in numbers. By reshaping the definition to one that encompasses a much larger group that is involved in work related to the social sector, we lose sight of what has been achieved by the individual and the obstacles they faced. Give the social entrepreneur the integrity he or she deserves.