From Intention to Actualization: The Transformative Journey of Social Entrepreneurs in the Philippines

Abstract

This study investigates the transition from intention to actualization among social entrepreneurs in Baguio City, Philippines, bridging the critical "intention-action gap" in sustainable venture creation. Utilizing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, quantitative survey data (N = 104) structured around the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Entrepreneurial Event Model (EEM) were analyzed via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), followed by thematic analysis of Focused Group Discussions (FGDs). Quantitative results reveal that Attitude Toward the Behavior (ATB), Subjective Norms (SN), and Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) significantly predict Social Entrepreneurial Intention (SEI). Furthermore, SEI strongly influences venture Actualization, heavily mediated by Perceived Desirability, Perceived Feasibility, and an inherent Propensity to Act. Qualitative findings elucidate critical real-world strategies, including compounding micro-resource bootstrapping, localized value chain integration matching Michael Porter’s Creating Shared Value (CSV) paradigm, and multi-stakeholder governance models. The study provides a comprehensive, integrated framework that maps the cognitive-to-behavioral transition, offering actionable insights for educators, impact investors, and policymakers to move beyond fostering mere intent toward engineered structural implementation.