Examining the Influence of significant determinants of social enterprises for alleviating poverty and socio economic growth: Evidence from South Asia.

Abstract

This research explores the relationships among social entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation within the context of emerging economies. An investigation of 705 respondents of South Asian social enterprises evaluates a conceptual model proposing social entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability’s impact on poverty alleviation. By employing structural equation modelling, the study elucidates the role of social enterprises as a mediating variable between the realms of entrepreneurial actions and societal welfare. Path coefficient analysis reveals the substantial direct impact of social enterprises on poverty alleviation and the recursive relationship between social entrepreneurship and social enterprises. Indirect effects analysis further clarifies the nuanced mechanism through which social entrepreneurship influences poverty reduction. Reliability and validity of the constructs are confirmed through Average Variance Extracted (AVE) and Cronbach's alpha metrics, despite the indication of potential areas for refinement. The findings suggest that the intersection of environmental sustainability and social entrepreneurship, channelled through the vehicle of social enterprises, holds significant promise for poverty alleviation strategies. The research concludes by advocating for integrated policy frameworks that leverage entrepreneurial innovation to address poverty, bolstering the commitment to sustainable development goals.