A Tale of Two Cultures: Charity, Problem Solving, and the Future of Social Entrepreneurship

This article identifies two prevailing cultures in social entrepreneurship: traditional charity and entrepreneurial problem-solving. It explores how these cultures influence resource provision and frontline operations, rooted in psychological responses to others' needs and reinforced by social norms. The author argues that while often at odds, successful social entrepreneurship requires integrating values from both cultures, correlating the satisfactions of giving with the social benefits of rigorous problem-solving. This integration is vital for achieving lasting social impact.