New concepts in post-disaster development: Learning from social entrepreneurs in Northern Haiti

Abstract

Research Objective This research studies social entrepreneurship as a development tool. The motivation stems from the low ability of the hundreds of international organizations to provide tangible solutions for a better life for the local population in the post-disaster situation. The question raised is how social entrepreneurs can support the development of post-disaster Haiti. Social entrepreneurship seems a promising way to acknowledge social opportunities, while applying business practices in a sustainable manner. The purpose of the research was to analyse whether the activities of social entrepreneurship can be supported in future post-disaster scenarios.

Methodology Through an ethnographic study in-depth data has been collected – partly via videography. In collaboration with Earth Aid Finland the work of two social entrepreneurs has been studied. The empirical data has been analysed through a practice theoretical lens with a critical realist epistemology. An edited film shows the results of the data analysis by following the model of the effectuation logic.

Findings The action-oriented social entrepreneurs are effective in addressing and solving the local social obstacles, because they are well embedded in the environment. They primarily follow effectuation logic to exploit the opportunity. However the international community follows a rational logic that offsets the effect. This study suggests a shift in development policies towards a stronger commitment and capability support of local entrepreneurs, instead of continuing with the linear and sequential opportunity process. To achieve a greater impact the entrepreneurs require a stronger effectual stakeholder commitment.