‘Social Entrepreneurship for Digital Governance Services: An Empirical Analysis of Government and Societal Supporting Factors’

Purpose In a fast-growing social entrepreneurship field, the societal entrepreneurial intention is vital to understand to meet social needs and create sustainable rural development. This research study aims to investigate e-governance service core constructs, Hockert's (2017) societal entrepreneurial intention (SEI) and the social cognitive career theory (SCCT) model core that determines rural societal entrepreneurs’ intention in establishing e-governance social service centres. Design/methodology/approach Based on a convenient and purposive sampling method, 596 survey sample data were collected through an online questionnaire from an e-governance-based social entrepreneur in Karnataka, India. The partial least square-based structural equation modelling was utilised to analyse the survey data and conceptual model. Findings The findings indicate that empathy, appointing agencies support (APS), perceived societal support (PSS), prior experience, and government support significantly predict societal entrepreneurship self-efficacy (SES). Hence, social image and perceived process support were insignificant in predicting societal entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Furthermore, societal self-efficacy significantly influences outcome expectations and societal entrepreneurship intention to embark on e-governance social service centres. Originality The current study was the first to explore the fully integrated model approach of Hockerts’s societal entrepreneurial intention theoretical model, SCCT and e-governance service supporting factors in framing rural societal entrepreneurs’ intention in establishing e-governance social service centres development. Key points for practitioners The study results provide valuable insights for governments, agencies, social entrepreneurs, and social communities to establish a framework for developing and efficiently operating digital seva service centres and generating a positive social impact in rural and distant regions.