The Impact of Social Entrepreneurship Participation on Leadership, Critical Thinking, and Entrepreneurial Motivation among University Students: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This systematic literature review explores the impact of social business participation on university students’ development in leadership, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial motivation. Drawing from 35 peer-reviewed studies published between 2021 and 2024, the review critically examines how experiential engagement in social business initiatives cultivates essential competencies for socially responsible leadership and innovation. The analysis reveals that participation fosters transformative learning outcomes, including enhanced self-efficacy, ethical leadership, collaborative problem-solving, and opportunity recognition. Despite these positive effects, the review identifies significant gaps in the literature: a lack of longitudinal research, underrepresentation of diverse cultural and regional contexts, and limited integration of interdisciplinary frameworks. Adopting a systematic PRISMA-based methodology, the study ensures transparency in selection, inclusion, and thematic synthesis. Findings underscore the need for more nuanced, context-sensitive research and institutional strategies that embed social entrepreneurship within higher education curricula. This review contributes to advancing theory and practice at the intersection of social innovation and student development, offering implications for educators, policymakers, and university leadership globally.