This study explores how social context influences the motivation of social entrepreneurs in Hong Kong and Germany. By examining differences in economic, political and cultural environments, this study aims to extend existing categorizations of necessity- and opportunity-driven entrepreneurship.
Using a grounded theory approach, qualitative data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with social entrepreneurs in both economies. The data were coded systematically to identify themes related to entrepreneurial motivation and social context.
This study finds that higher levels of inequality and uncertainty in Hong Kong lead to a broader mix of motivational factors for social entrepreneurship, including opportunity creation and strong community-driven incentives. In contrast, German social entrepreneurs tend to exploit pre-existing opportunities with a focus on stability and sustainability. This research highlights the role of societal conditions in shaping entrepreneurial motivations.
As a qualitative study, generalizability is limited. However, the findings offer a foundation for further comparative research across different socioeconomic contexts. Future studies could quantitatively test the impact of social inequality on entrepreneurial motivation.
This research underscores the need for tailored support systems that align with the distinct motivations of social entrepreneurs in different regions. Policymakers and support organizations should consider how contextual factors influence entrepreneurial drive when designing initiatives.
This study extends the traditional necessity-opportunity framework by introducing subcategories such as “perceived necessities of others” and “opportunity creation”. It provides new insights into how social entrepreneurs adapt their motivation based on their local environment.
