Elgar Original Reference Series

Handbook of Research Methods on Social Entrepreneurship

Published April 2008

Defining 'social entrepreneurship' has in the past proved problematic, and debate continues concerning what it does and does not entail and encompass. This unique book frames the debates surrounding the phenomenon and argues that many of the difficulties relating to the study of social entrepreneurship are rooted in methodological issues. Highlighting these issues, the book sets out ideas and implications for researchers using alternative methodologies.

Contributors expertly present practical guides for researchers, setting out appropriate strategies and methods that can be adopted to explore and understand social entrepreneurship. Chapters deal with research strategies such as storytelling, action research and the case study, as well as the methods appropriate for understanding discourse, large data sets, and networks. The book also explores some challenges for researchers, and will be of particular interest to early career researchers or researchers first approaching the field.

Contributors: M. Bachmann, S. D'Alessandro, K. Kumar, A.F. McKenny, J. Ormiston, J. Ruskin, F. Salignac, R.G. Seymour, J.C. Short, C. Steyaert, M. Tasker, G. Tyge Payne, C. Webster, L. Westberg, H. Winzar