Page 37 - Social Enterprise A New Business Paradigm for Thailand

1.3 Relevant Theories on Social Business
There are four key theoretical frameworks that underpin the concept of social business. These

are outlined as follows:

1.3.1 Theories of Giving for Social Good
Beyond religious doctrines that encourage generosity, early academic theories of giving for social
good began to emerge in the 19th century. These theories explore the various motivations that
drive individuals to give to society. Such motivations range from pure altruism and a desire to give
without expecting anything in return, to more calculated reasons such as reciprocity, personal

gain, or the desire to enhance one's public image. Among these, altruism is defined as selfless
giving and is widely considered a core element of human nature, with the term first coined by
Auguste Comte (Barman, 2017).

Later, the Social Exchange Theory (Homans, 1961, as cited in Barman, 2017) proposed that
charitable behavior often stems from the expectation of a return though not necessarily in
monetary form. Instead, the return may take intangible forms such as enhanced reputation, honor,
or elevated social status.

Theories of networks and social capital, advanced by Pierre Bourdieu (1990) and Robert Putnam
(2000), further linked the act of giving to the development of trust, the strengthening of social
networks, and the enhancement of community resilience.

Contemporary theories of giving for social good are often informed by the practices of large
philanthropic foundations. One such framework is Strategic Philanthropy which was pioneered
by the Rockefeller Foundation. This approach emphasizes structured giving, where donations are
guided by well-defined objectives, measurable social outcomes, and deliberate planning. Another
significant framework is Venture Philanthropy as exemplified by the work of Acumen, an

organization that supports the incubation of public-interest ventures. Venture Philanthropy
argues that capital alone is insufficient to achieve social impact. Rather, successful giving must
include knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and sustained support through the early developmental
stages of an initiative.

1.3.2 Social Entrepreneurship Theory
The term “social entrepreneur” was first introduced in activist circles by William Drayton founder
of Ashoka: Innovators for the Public, an organization that identifies and supports leading social
entrepreneurs around the world to drive structural transformation through innovation and new

ideas (Light, 2009).

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