Exploring Social Entrepreneurship in the Hospitality Industry

Social entrepreneurship is often included in discussions of entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility. There is evidence to suggest that a growing number of businesses make significant contributions to the community. These companies appear to adopt socially responsible strategies, through philanthropy, environmental awareness and community support. However, only few studies have dealt directly with the subject of social entrepreneurship in the hospitality industry. This study aims at researching social entrepreneurship within the hospitality industry in Ghana. It explores the types of social entrepreneurship initiatives undertaken by entrepreneurs; the entrepreneurs’ motivational reasons; the potential benefits of the projects initiated; and the challenges the entrepreneurs encounter. Interviews were conducted on twenty practitioners within the hospitality sector in Ghana identified as social entrepreneurs. The findings revealed that these social entrepreneurs have initiated many social developmental projects in their communities such as the provision of social amenities, educational sponsorship, and contribution to quality health care and donation to the needy. The results of this study are relevant to the development of social entrepreneurship, and may provide examples of best practices for other business organizations in related sectors.