Social entrepreneurship and social change: a practice-based study in non-governmental organizations

Purpose This paper aims to examine how social entrepreneurship (SE) practices give rise change in the context of urban Brazil. Design/methodology/approach The study draws on a broader inductive, ethnographic and iterative practice-based conducted three Brazilian non-governmental organizations. Findings Social is established through intertwined that involve active interplay ambivalent positive negative feelings associated with mission pursued by enterprise; flat organizational structures encourage participation taking ownership among all stakeholders; focused objectives (social purposes). Research limitations/implications presents an analytical framework composed five propositions may be used future research aimed at maturing refining understanding SE. also provides methodological contribution for studies new phenomenon young fields often must rely inductive methodologies, demonstrating thematic analysis can studies. Practical implications has practical directly connected its implications, because achieved enhance effectiveness SE practitioners bringing desired changes about. Furthermore, discussion provided insights reflect upon paradoxical nature change. Originality/value suggests set original definition mitigates conceptual inconsistencies found literature drawing empirical data incorporating political lens practice theory.