When Doing Good Feels Good: How Social Beliefs Strengthen Entrepreneurs’ Well-Being

What is it about?

This study explores how entrepreneurs’ beliefs in creating social value—that is, their conviction that their ventures make a positive contribution to society—shape their work-related well-being. Drawing from identity, conservation of resources, and person–organization fit theories, it examines how these beliefs relate to entrepreneurs’ job satisfaction, engagement, and burnout, while also considering the influence of their concern for the common good. The research provides an integrated view of how socially driven entrepreneurs find personal fulfillment in their work. Using data from three large-scale Public Value Atlas studies in Germany and Switzerland, the research shows that entrepreneurs who believe strongly in the social impact of their ventures report higher satisfaction and engagement and lower burnout. The key driver is the sense that their work is meaningful and benefits society. These effects are especially pronounced among entrepreneurs with strong social concern, indicating that altruistic values amplify the rewards of socially oriented entrepreneurship. For practitioners and policy advocates, the study points to a powerful link between purpose and personal well-being. Supporting entrepreneurs in defining and articulating their social impact may not only enhance their organizational contribution but also foster mental health and resilience. Encouraging work cultures that highlight meaning and social contribution could help sustain the energy and satisfaction of entrepreneurs pursuing societal goals.

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Photo by Julio Lopez on Unsplash

Photo by Julio Lopez on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research provides a rare psychological perspective on social entrepreneurship by focusing on how doing good affects those who do it. It moves beyond traditional discussions of business outcomes to show that entrepreneurs’ belief in their social mission contributes directly to their own emotional and psychological well-being, through a sense of purpose. The study is especially timely given the growing global emphasis on meaningful work and responsible entrepreneurship. As many entrepreneurs confront burnout and uncertainty, the findings offer a hopeful message: investing in social value creation not only benefits society but also nourishes the entrepreneurs themselves. By uncovering how meaning connects social purpose with personal vitality, this work illuminates a pathway toward more sustainable, human-centered entrepreneurship.