| Through the use of a qualitative transdisciplinary narrative methodology, this study researched the motivations, values, and philosophies of successful social entrepreneurs. The working assumption was that social entrepreneurs have common intrapersonal dynamics, which create a foundation for their success. Data included one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 4 social entrepreneurs, 3 female and 1 male. The narrative analytic methods of open and axial coding were used to highlight general thematic categories and subcategories respectively. A theoretical framework that incorporates transformative learning and spirituality was used to analyze the social entrepreneur's narratives.;Six major themes emerged that connected the participants to each other. First, all experienced a "disorienting dilemma" (J. Mezirow, 1991), which is a crisis or event that triggers change. Second, all have deeply rooted beliefs about themselves, politics, and the power of entrepreneurship and social change. Third, spirituality played a critical role in the personal transformation of each but was described in different ways. Fourth, each was able to identify his or her own sense of purpose and place in the world. Fifth, each discussed the impact of children in their lives as inspirational to continue their work. Last, each was influenced at an early age by one or both of their parents, particularly their mothers, who planted seeds for what they would later accomplish, though these relationships were experienced in different ways. Each participant conveyed the same general emotion: a sense of empowerment and purpose.;The results of this study are closely aligned with themes suggested in the literature on social entrepreneurs (e.g., L. Barendsen & H. Gardner, 2004; and D. Bornstein, 2004). In addition, this study suggests that understanding the intrinsic motivation behind a social entrepreneur's action, as well as the spiritual component driving them to continue, can help educational leaders improve their curriculum and can assist organizations supporting social entrepreneurs in their work. |
