Analysis of the dynamics affecting social entrepreneurship in Turkey

The main purpose of this thesis is to investigate the environmental dynamics (emergence of social entrepreneur identity, social value creation, socio-economical environment and institutional environment) that effect social entrepreneurs in Turkey and to understand behavioral phenomenon behind it. Weerawardena and Mort's (2006) bounded multidimentional model of social entrepreneurship that arise from nine in-depth case studies of social entrepreneurial not-for-profit organizations is the basis of the quest of social entrepreneurship phenomenon in Turkey. In addition to that environmental factors (legal, politic, cultural, institutional, etc.) that are unique to Turkey will be analyzed. The existence of unique definition, model and motivations of social entrepreneurship in Turkey is investigated. At the end of the study, a model of environmental dynamics that affect social entrepreneurship in Turkey will be presented. In literature, a detailed study about the overall social entrepreneurship ecosystem and environment in Turkey was lack. The purpose of this study was to fill the gap by drawing an overall picture of social entrepreneurship phenomenon and environment in Turkey. As being a social and economic phenomenon, in the analysis of environmental dynamics effecting social entrepreneurship qualitative research method was adopted. In depth-interviews with 8 high level managers or founders of the social enterprises were held and data form the interviews and personal observation of the researcher was interpreted by using content analysis. This thesis study is composed of two sections. In the first section, literature about social entrepreneurship and environmental dynamics of social entrepreneurship was reviewed. In the second section, research process, data collection methods, analysis, findings and results of the study aiming to identify the environmental factors were presented. As a result of the study, cultural, legal, politic, corporate environments and social networks were found to be the factors affecting social entrepreneurship in Turkey. In the process of social value creation social entrepreneurs displayed social innovation, sustainability, risk management, proactiveness and evaluation of new opportunities as behavioral characteristics revolving around social mission as primary motivation and constraint. With the display of these behaviors, social entrepreneurs aim to achieve social impact (social change, social recognition, and legal regulations).