How Social Benevolence Motivates Entrepreneurs

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to see if improving social causes motivates successful entrepreneurs more than it does other wealthy people. The design approach uses Forbes' 400 richest Americans list, which offers a self-made score identifying self-made people and people who inherit their wealth. A quantitative study using ANOVA compares score differences between charity made by self-made people and those inheriting wealth. Results revealed evidence supporting that entrepreneurs play a special role contributing to social advances. Compared with wealthy people who inherit their money, people starting enterprises more likely will support social causes by contributing.