PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL AND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE INTELLECTUAL STRUCTURE AND RESEARCH TRENDS

Abstract

This study explores the intersection of Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and Social Entrepreneurship (SE) through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. Social entrepreneurship, a field dedicated to creating social value, requires immense personal fortitude, making the psychological resources of entrepreneurs a critical area of investigation. This paper maps the intellectual structure of the research nexus between PsyCap and SE to understand its evolution, key thematic areas, and future directions. The primary dataset for this study was retrieved from the Scopus database, which was selected for its recognized credibility and extensive coverage. The preliminary data base query retrieved 1477 publication. These records are systematically screened and filtered in accordance with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure thematic alignment. Bibliometric analysis was performed using VOS viewer to visualize co- citation structures, keyword co-occurrence pattern, and collaborative linkages among authors, countries and institution. The findings indicate an expanding stream of scholarship examining constructs such as entrepreneurial resilience, self-efficacy, optimism. The study further reflects on the theoretical contributions and practical relevance of the results, acknowledges existing research constraints, and outlines directions for future investigations into the role of psychological capital in shaping and sustaining social entrepreneurial initiatives. To explore the intellectual landscape of PsyCap and Social entrepreneurship scholarship, bibliometric mapping was conducted using VOS viewer, enabling visualization of co-citation linkages, thematic keyword clusters, and patterns of scholarly collaboration. Findings reveal four thematic clusters: (1) entrepreneurial resilience, (2) self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention, (3) sustainable development and innovation, and (4) psychological resources in social impact. Influential works include Ajzen’s (1991) Theory of Planned Behavior, which underpins entrepreneurial intention studies, and recent research on resilience as a driver of venture survival during crises (Duchek, 2018; Hartmann et al., 2020). The analysis reveals that research in this domain is largely centered in developed economies, particularly the United States, China, and the United Kingdom, leaving gaps in developing-country contexts where Social Entrepreneurship is often most crucial. The study contributes by clarifying the intellectual landscape, identifying knowledge gaps, and proposing directions for future research, including longitudinal studies on PsyCap development, cross-cultural perspectives, and interventions to enhance entrepreneurial well-being. By integrating psychological and social innovation literatures, this work underscores the need to cultivate PsyCap as a resource for advancing sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurship.