The development needs of business competencies of social entrepreneurs: a case study of Latvia

Abstract

The competitiveness, growth and sustainability of social enterprises are affected by a number of factors, including the competencies of individuals running the business. The present research aim was to identify the business knowledge, skills and competencies required by social enterprise managers across various regions of Latvia in the realities of their economic activity. To achieve the research objectives, a representative survey of social enterprises was used. The results of the study revealed that there were: (1) statistically significant differences in the competency needs of social enterprises, but the need for knowledge and the demand for skills were equally different; (2) statistically significant differences in the need for knowledge about marketing activities and the need for competencies on how to inform the public about social enterprise products; (3) as the level of formal education of business managers increased, the need for competencies on how to inform the public about social enterprise products also increased, reaching statistical significance. The research can be useful in planning the development of social entrepreneurs, as well as it broadens the public’s understanding of the needs of sustainable social entrepreneurship.