Page 38 - Social Enterprise A New Business Paradigm for Thailand

Early theories in this field centered on describing the characteristics and processes of social
entrepreneurs. While not originally focused on social business per se, these foundational theories

explored how individuals strive to reform societal systems to address chronic social issues such
as poverty, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, corruption, and oppression, with the
goal of enhancing quality of life and societal well-being.

J. Gregory Dees is often considered the father of academic social entrepreneurship (Dees, 1998)
and drew upon economic thought from Jean-Baptiste Say and Joseph A. Schumpeter. Say viewed
entrepreneurs as individuals who mobilize resources to create more productive and efficient
outcomes. Schumpeter emphasized their role in increasing societal productivity through a
process of “creative destruction.” For Schumpeter, innovation might take the form of new

products, services, processes, or novel combinations of existing resources to serve clear,
transformative goals. Thus, at the heart of social transformation lie two essential elements:
novelty (innovation) and dynamism (Dees, 1998; Davis, 2002; Bornstein & Davis, 2010). Many
social problems, such as poverty or environmental degradation, are structural in nature. Social
entrepreneurship offers a strategic response by developing new pathways to tackle these
entrenched challenges and reimagine society. Under this framework, a social entrepreneur is
someone who envisions new forms of public value and creates opportunities for policy shifts or
cultural change, ultimately contributing to a new social equilibrium. These figures may include
reformers, philanthropists, or public figures who channel innovation to improve society. Iconic

examples often cited include Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

In the 20th century, social movements expanded worldwide, particularly those focused on
environmental protection, such as indigenous movements opposing deforestation in the Amazon,
and movements championing women’s rights, disability rights, and the rights of ethnic and
cultural minorities. Some movements even employed art and carnival as tools for education and
consciousness-raising. As historically marginalized communities began gaining greater economic
and political visibility, cultural movements emerged as powerful agents of change, their
momentum amplified by digital technology.

Consequently, the 21st century has become a defining era of activism, marked by growing
advocacy for diverse communities, including LGBTQIA+ populations. At the same time,
globalization, trade, and urbanization have made cities the dominant habitats for human life.
Advancements in transportation, communication, and healthcare have fueled the rise of a large,
educated middle class. But the 2008 financial crisis, growing inequality, and environmental
deterioration have intensified calls for innovative responses, catalyzing interest in social business.
Many middle-class entrepreneurs, disillusioned with reliance on state institutions, now pursue
independent, self-driven solutions to social issues. A compelling case from this new wave of social
entrepreneurship is Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, an example that reflects management

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