Socio-ecological spirituality and entrepreneurship: Sa Pedrissa network in Majorca

This paper examines both the mental models of social-ecological entrepreneurs and the challenges faced when managing their ventures. This research seeks to further develop the field of social entrepreneurship. Furthermore, there is much yet to understand when spirituality is a key component of a social business. By studying the ventures of a network of entrepreneurs on the Spanish island of Majorca we intend to build an emerging framework of reference for successful social-ecological/spiritual entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach. This is a qualitative study oriented to building theory in the field of social entrepreneurship. Data was gathered from a network of nine entrepreneurs on the island of Majorca who manage social-ecological businesses with spirituality being an essential part of their ventures. Data was gathered during three half-day focus groups and six in-depth interviews. Some frameworks were developed after content, situational, and process analysis of the data. Findings. The study shows a set of drivers and points of reference, motivations, and values for business ventures that is broader and more complex than the picture often painted in social entrepreneurship literature. Balancing all the points of reference is a difficult exercise. A lack of managerial and communication skills seems to be the main difficulty for the advancement of their ventures. Obtaining sufficient initial funding and ensuring resource generation represent other important hurdles. In terms of process, the launch and initial stages are the most demanding for spiritual social-ecological entrepreneurs.