Social entrepreneur competencies of social activists involved with children and youths: A case study of Nan province, Thailand

Abstract

     Social entrepreneurship is a well-integrated social movement which is composed of business and non-profit sectors. In Thai society, social entrepreneurs still lack competencies to certify practices. Therefore, this research aimed to: 1) explain motivation and social entrepreneur attributes and 2) assess the social entrepreneur competencies of activists with regard to children and youths in Nan province, Thailand. Thirty-two social activists who actively worked on children and youth issues in Nan province were purposely selected from 35 social organizations active with children and youths. Data were collected using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. An indepth interview using semi-structured questioning was conducted to explain social activists' motivation. Social entrepreneur attributes and social entrepreneur competencies were assessed using a self-assessment questionnaire. The findings showed that participant's motivation was derived from: 1) beliefs in human dignity and rights, 2) experiences with a role model, 3) own experiences, and 4) gratitude to the nation. Regarding emotional intelligence and social skills, 59.4 percent of participants perceived having a high performance level in understanding emotional conditions when interacting with others and 84.4 percent perceived their ability to adapt and coordinate with others at a high level. On virtues and ethical issues, 96.9 percent viewed these two as significant and necessary for social entrepreneurs. Regarding social entrepreneur competencies, the average score for overall competency was at the master level (X̄ = 2.76, SD = 0.54). The competency with the highest average score was learning (X̄ = 3.01, SD = 0.62) followed by teamwork (X̄ = 3.00, SD = 0.61). The competency with the lowest average score was fund raising at the apply level (X̄ = 2.34, SD = 0.73). Thus, a competency development model should be appropriately designed to increase social activist ability. Competency assessment should also be used to assess social activists in order to promote them to be effective social entrepreneurs.