Social Entrepreneurship for Community Development: The Role of Social Capital in Establishing Sustainable Enterprises

Social entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in addressing social and environmental challenges, particularly in economically disadvantaged communities. This study investigates how structural, relational, and cognitive dimensions of social capital contribute to the success and sustainability of social entrepreneurship in community development. Drawing on data from sixteen in-depth interviews and 254 survey responses from social entrepreneurs, community members, and professionals in Oman, the research examines the ways in which these dimensions of social capital support sustainable enterprise development and foster community growth. The findings highlight that trust, social networks, and shared norms are essential components of social capital, enabling social entrepreneurs to access critical resources, knowledge, and networks. Furthermore, the study reveals the mediating role of sustainable enterprise development in the relationship between social capital and community outcomes, demonstrating that social capital must be leveraged through sustainable business models to achieve long-term impact. This research offers theoretical advancements by integrating social capital dimensions with social entrepreneurship, providing context-specific insights from a developing country setting. The study also provides practical recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and social entrepreneurs, emphasizing strategies to enhance social capital and support sustainable enterprises. Keywords: Social Entrepreneurship; Community Development; Social Capital; Sustainable Enterprise Development; Developing Countries