From classroom to community: Cultivating the next generation of transformational leaders for social enterprises

Social enterprises (SEs) combine social and economic goals, requiring a distinct social transformational leadership (STL) style characterized by moral clarity, inspiration, motivation, innovation, and personal growth. This leadership promotes social value and financial stability. Studies reveal SE leaders face a leadership skills gap due to limited training in public administration (MPA) and nonprofit management (MNM) programs. An online faculty survey found that although both programs include some STL competencies, SE-specific STL is underemphasized, particularly in MPA programs. Enhancing curricula can better prepare future leaders.