Factors motivating social entrepreneurs-An empirical study in the state of Tamil Nadu, India Dr. Kavitha D.1, Dr. Maheswari B. Uma2 1Assistant Professor, PSG Institute of Management, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. E-mail: kavitha@psgim.ac.in 2Assistant Professor, PSG Institute of Management, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. E-mail: uma@psgim.ac.in Online published on 8 May, 2019. Abstract Social entrepreneurs are people who identify a lacuna in the society and transform it into an opportunity by creating businesses that impact the society. The objective of this study is to explore the motivations that lead such individuals to identify and pursue social opportunities. This study was done specifically among social entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu state in India. Data was collected from 62 social entrepreneurs using an interview schedule. The study found that the primary factor motivating social entrepreneurs was their personal attachment or passion towards the cause. The other factors that were significant motivators were economic independence and the availability of capital to start such social ventures. The paper is an initial step in the domain of social entrepreneurship research in the context of a developing economy and provides a platform for future researchers. Top Keywords Motivation, Social entrepreneurship, Social mission, Tamil Nadu. Top |