Entrepreneurship among Social Workers: Implications for the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

The study’s objective is to analyze the entrepreneurial intentions of social workers and their impact on the SDGs. Furthermore, it seeks to explore social workers’ perceptions and attitudes towards entrepreneurship. Thus, this research aims to answer the following research questions: How do entrepreneurial intentions among social workers influence their contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and what are the implications of these intentions for social work practices and policies within the framework of sustainable development? Based on a quantitative approach, this study leverages microdata from the 2018 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) survey. The dataset includes responses from 4545 social workers across 30 high-income countries. The study employs logistic regression analysis as the primary statistical method to delve into the determinants of entrepreneurial intentions among social workers within this diverse international sample. Key findings indicate that the aspiration to establish a future business is a significant factor, underscoring the importance of entrepreneurial intention in this context. Additionally, social workers in the private sector exhibit a greater predisposition to entrepreneurship compared to their public sector counterparts. The study’s implications for the SDGs are substantial, as promoting entrepreneurship among social workers can contribute to economic growth, poverty reduction, and reduced inequalities (SDGs 1, 8, and 10). It also emphasizes the importance of access to entrepreneurial education, sustainable job creation (SDG 4 and 8), and the development of partnerships among academic institutions, social assistance organizations, and entrepreneurial entities (SDG 17). Furthermore, the research highlights the significance of gender equality and access to entrepreneurial resources (SDGs 5 and 9) in fostering entrepreneurship among social workers.

1. Introduction

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a fundamental part of the UN’s Agenda 2030 and shape the early 21st century in the context of global development [1]. The SDGs are based on three thematic pillars, social, economic, and environmental, encompassing 17 goals and 169 indicators to measure progress towards these objectives [1]. The interconnectedness of the SDGs requires a global strategy for their implementation, as all goals are interrelated and cannot be achieved in isolation. The SDGs provide a comprehensive framework for addressing a wide range of social, economic, and environmental issues, including poverty, education, health, gender equality, the environment, and human rights [2]. The SDGs create challenges for both public and private social interventions, including those in the social work sector, which often tend to be fragmented in their approach to social issues [2].

Social work has positioned itself as a profession with a crucial role in attaining the desired outcomes of SDGs [3]. Social workers can use the SDGs as a guide to address complex issues that affect the communities in which they work. The values and principles of social work, such as equality, diversity, empowerment, respect for human rights, and social justice, align with the underlying principles of the SDGs [3,4,5]. This makes the SDGs an effective tool for social workers in the implementation of their professional values in practice. This congruence between the values of social work and the principles of the SDGs allows social workers to promote social justice, respect for human rights, and equality while working to achieve the goals set by the SDGs [3,5]. However, there are significant challenges, such as climate crises, poverty, growing inequalities, economic recessions, and unemployment, which affect the implementation of the SDGs and present opportunities and challenges for professionals [2,6].

A stable occupation gives individuals a sense of security, despite the variety of opportunities for a career change [7]. A career change allows individuals to gain more experience and versatility. This change is associated with more autonomy, a greater willingness to take risks, a greater professional social network and more experience [8,9]. Entrepreneurs are individuals who spot and seize new opportunities through new products, production methods, sources of raw materials, markets, and new forms of organization [10]. Entrepreneurial activity translates into wealth creation, innovative technological progress, and business expansion [11]. Innovative individuals with the will to enterprise represent a tremendous contribution and value to society, being perceived as drivers of social and economic development, thus acquiring respect and status within their areas of action [12]. Entrepreneurs have opposite mindsets from those of conventional organizations, as they have the ability to perceive problems that others cannot and provide innovative solutions to solve them [13]. In this way, organizations can benefit from understanding and identifying what drives employees to have entrepreneurial attitudes, thus providing higher levels of self-employment, leading to social and economic benefits [14].

This study aims to answer the following research questions: How do entrepreneurial intentions among social workers influence their contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and what are the implications of these intentions for social work practices and policies within the framework of sustainable development? The study’s objective is to analyze the entrepreneurial intentions of social workers and their impact on the SDGs. Furthermore, it seeks to explore social workers’ perceptions and attitudes towards entrepreneurship.

This research makes several contributions. First, this study enriches the literature related to social workers, enhancing our understanding of entrepreneurship in the context of social work. This is crucial for comprehending how social workers can embrace proactive and innovative roles in their practices and address complex challenges. Understanding how social workers perceive entrepreneurship is key to recognizing how they can implement entrepreneurial approaches in their work, potentially leading to more effective and impactful practices. This aspect of the study illuminates the gap in the existing literature concerning the attitudes and perceptions of social workers towards entrepreneurship, contributing to a broader understanding of how these professionals view and integrate entrepreneurial thinking and practices. Secondly, this study underscores the potential impact of social workers’ entrepreneurship on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the importance of social work in promoting these global objectives and addressing critical challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental issues. The intersection between entrepreneurship and the SDGs may open new avenues for addressing complex social problems and making a significant impact on communities and society at large. Lastly, this study contributes not only to academic research but also to relevant practices and policies in the fields of social work and sustainable development, especially by elucidating how social workers’ perceptions and attitudes towards entrepreneurship can shape their approach to these global challenges.

The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) database referring to the year 2018 was used to meet this objective, and variables that could obtain answers in this sense were identified. This study presents a literature review in the field, revealing some characteristics aligned with entrepreneurial intentions and social values associated with entrepreneurship. The methods identified the conceptual model, and the materials and the study’s conduct were analyzed through binary logistic regressions. The results and inherent discussion are provided, followed by conclusions involving limitations, implications and future research directions.

2. Literature Review

2.1. Entrepreneurial Intention and SDGs

Entrepreneurial intention has been a topic much studied by researchers. Despite several definitions, there is consensus that entrepreneurial intention translates into the will of an individual to start a business or become self-employed [15,16,17]. Several models and theoretical lenses have been employed in studying this topic [18,19,20,21,22]. Entrepreneurial behavior is complex and depends on several factors, including a critical approach to the environment, the ability to explore innovative ideas and creativity, and providing and building the right conditions for creating and exploiting opportunities [23,24]

Entrepreneurship plays a prominent and noteworthy role in promoting the SDGs (e.g., [25,26]). Entrepreneurship, through the creation of new businesses, is recognized as a vital driver in providing employment, reducing inequalities, alleviating poverty, and fostering sustainable growth [6]. Governments in developing economies are increasingly acknowledging the potential of entrepreneurs, leading to accelerated initiatives in curriculum development and entrepreneurship education programs in higher education institutions since the 1980s [27]. Like entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial intention can be intrinsically linked to the SDGs in various ways, contributing to initiatives that address socioeconomic and environmental issues [28,29]. Thus, entrepreneurial intention can catalyze the advancement of various goals and objectives outlined in the SDGs, providing a dynamic approach to tackling social and environmental challenges [28,29].

By establishing new businesses, entrepreneurship makes a substantial contribution to SDG 8, fostering sustainable economic growth and generating employment opportunities [28,29,30,31]. Simultaneously, entrepreneurial activities positively impact reducing inequality (SDG 10) and combating poverty (SDG 1) by providing economic opportunities and empowering communities [2,32,33]. Fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, especially among marginalized populations, offers access to resources and avenues for upward mobility, contributing to more inclusive societies [30]. Entrepreneurs innovate solutions that address social disparities, create businesses that generate economic value, and actively contribute to social equity [6]. This aligns with the SDG 10 goal of fostering a just and inclusive global community [2,32,33]. Additionally, as entrepreneurial ventures expand, they uplift local economies, providing sustainable livelihoods and supporting the SDG 1 objective of poverty eradication [6,32,33].

The recognition of the transformative potential of entrepreneurs has led to the accelerated development of curricula and entrepreneurship education programs, thereby supporting SDG 4, ensuring quality education [29,33]. Entrepreneurship education not only equips individuals with the skills to navigate the dynamic business landscape but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities [28,29,32]. By incorporating practical experiences and real-world challenges into educational frameworks, entrepreneurship education becomes a powerful tool for preparing individuals to contribute meaningfully to society. The emphasis on innovation, creativity, and adaptability in entrepreneurship education further supports the broader goals of SDG 4, creating a learning environment that prepares students for the complexities of the modern world.

Entrepreneurial intention can positively influence SDG 3 by driving initiatives aimed at disease prevention, promoting mental health, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, and developing innovative solutions for medical challenges [28,29,32,33]. Moreover, entrepreneurs can play a crucial role in establishing social enterprises focused on health, addressing issues such as basic sanitation, access to clean water, and disseminating information about healthy practices [6,28,32]. This aligns with the goals outlined in SDG 3, fostering a healthier and more sustainable society.

Furthermore, entrepreneurship assumes a critical role in the pursuit of SDG 9, which aims to foster innovation and construct a resilient infrastructure [28,33]. Entrepreneurs, through their endeavors, contribute substantially to the realization of this goal by promoting technological advancements, creating sustainable solutions, and enhancing overall infrastructure development [33]. Additionally, their commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices aligns with the objectives of SDG 13, emphasizing climate action [33]. Entrepreneurial initiatives that prioritize sustainability, resource efficiency, and environmental consciousness contribute significantly to mitigating the impact of climate change, aligning with the broader global effort to address environmental challenges [2,6].

Finally, entrepreneurship also plays a pivotal role in advancing SDG 17, which underscores the importance of partnerships for the achievement of sustainable development [33]. Entrepreneurs, by nature, foster collaboration and partnerships, both locally and globally, driving innovation and collective efforts toward addressing complex challenges [34,35]. Their ability to create networks, engage in cross-sectoral collaborations, and leverage resources contributes to the development of a supportive ecosystem for sustainable development initiatives. Entrepreneurial ventures often thrive on collaborative relationships with governments, nonprofits, and other businesses, embodying the spirit of SDG 17 by forging partnerships that enhance the overall impact and effectiveness of sustainable development efforts.

2.2. Social Values towards Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurial Intention

The studies of Kolvereid [36] and Blanchflower et al. [37] underline a preference to develop self-employment, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The social status of the entrepreneur, along with the media’s portrayal of success stories, influence entrepreneurship as a career choice [38,39,40]. Bacq et al. [41], regarding the perception of entrepreneurship in a social context, found that commercial entrepreneurs view entrepreneurship more favorably than social entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurial individuals, a perspective contributing to SDG 8. On the other hand, social entrepreneurs placed more importance than commercial entrepreneurs on the entrepreneur’s status, potentially impacting SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Urbano & Alvarez [42] found a positive relationship between media attention and entrepreneurial intention. Leković et al. [43] observed a positive relationship between entrepreneurship solving social problems and entrepreneurial intention, resonating with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), but a negative association with media coverage of new business success. Ferri et al. [44] noted that the social image of entrepreneurship positively correlates with social entrepreneurship in times of financial crisis, supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty).

These studies suggest that while perceptions of entrepreneurship’s desirability, social status, media portrayal, and social impact vary, they generally contribute positively to entrepreneurial intentions. This complex interplay of factors shapes how social workers view entrepreneurship, influencing their willingness to adopt entrepreneurial approaches to address global challenges. The varying outcomes in social values toward entrepreneurship underscore the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurial intentions in the social work context, revealing the nuanced ways in which social workers’ attitudes towards entrepreneurship can guide their efforts in tackling worldwide issues. In this sense, the following hypotheses were built:

Hypothesis 1 (H1).

Social values towards entrepreneurship positively influence entrepreneurial intention.

Hypothesis 1a (H1a).

Entrepreneurship as a desirable career choice positively influences entrepreneurial intention.

Hypothesis 1b (H1b).

Social Status as an entrepreneur positively influences entrepreneurial intention.

Hypothesis 1c (H1c).

Successful new businesses portrayed in media and the internet positively influence entrepreneurial intention.

Hypothesis 1d (H1d).

Businesses aiming to solve social problems positively influence entrepreneurial intention.

2.3. Entrepreneurial Individual Characteristics and Entrepreneurial Intention

In the literature, perceptions that the individual has about oneself are relevant and are a determinant of entrepreneurial behavior [45,46,47], aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) by emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and skill development. Entrepreneurs tend to be confident, especially in identifying their knowledge and skills about business creation, thus using these capabilities to recognize unexploited opportunities. [47,48], contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering innovation and economic growth. Knowledge and abilities correspond positively to building and operationalizing a business [49], further supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by encouraging entrepreneurial ventures and infrastructure development. These capabilities also identify and exploit business opportunities [50,51], crucial for sustainable economic progress. On the other hand, although motivated, individuals with lower abilities will have unavoidable barriers to creating enterprises [52,53], highlighting the need for inclusive and equitable quality education (SDG 4) to provide all individuals with the skills needed for entrepreneurship. In this way, skills are highlighted as an essential component in creating a business, and individuals who possess them will be more driven to start an entrepreneurial journey [54,55], aligning with SDG 8. Knowing someone who has recently started an entrepreneurial journey can represent an example for those beginning this same process, potentially being a source of advice and networking [54,56,57], fostering SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration and partnership. Ozdemir and Karadeniz [58] relate the level of education to opening possibilities for interactions with role models, thus enhancing networking with other entrepreneurs, further supporting SDG 4 and SDG 8. In this sense, entrepreneurial and network knowledge enhances entrepreneurial intention [59], contributing to the creation of sustainable and resilient businesses, as envisioned in SDG 9. In the entrepreneurial context, building a social network allows a business to grow, creating new opportunities and overcoming the barriers inherent in starting a new business [60,61,62], aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering urban innovation and opportunities. Fear is present in decision making, influencing behavior and cognitive responses [63,64], and impacts SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by emphasizing the importance of mental health in entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are considered ambitious, resilient, and passionate [65,66,67,68], traits that are essential in achieving SDG 8. Yet, there is also a side of fear that should not be ignored [69], addressing the emotional challenges faced by entrepreneurs, relevant to SDG 3. In an entrepreneurial context, fear of failure corresponds to the emotional response faced with the uncertainty of starting or not a business [70], again emphasizing the mental health aspect of SDG 3. Thus feelings, emotions and moods influence the recognition and seizing of a business opportunity [68,71,72], impacting both SDG 3 and SDG 8 by affecting decision-making and entrepreneurial success. Shane and Venkataram [73] point to the entrepreneurial opportunity, when an entrepreneur makes a profit after selling a product or service concerning its production cost, directly contributing to SDG 8. Some studies refer to the individual perception of opportunity recognition as the main behavioral factor that enhances entrepreneurial activity [72,74,75,76], which is essential for SDG 9. As a defining characteristic of an entrepreneur’s behavior [77,78], the opportunity is often where the entrepreneurial journey begins [79], supporting SDG 8. Ardichvili et al. [80] identified the entrepreneur’s personality features, social connections, and knowledge as antecedents of awareness of entrepreneurial opportunities, important for SDG 9. Some elements include entrepreneurial alertness and knowledge of the industry.

Understanding and addressing these individual characteristics among social workers—their entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, networking, opportunity recognition, and managing the fear of failure—are key to enabling them to harness entrepreneurship effectively in their efforts to tackle global challenges. Thus, the following hypotheses are drafted:

Hypothesis 2 (H2).

Individual characteristics positively influence entrepreneurial intention.

Hypothesis 2a (H2a).

The perception of having entrepreneurial knowledge and skills positively influences entrepreneurial intention.

Hypothesis 2b (H2b).

Personally knowing entrepreneurs positively influences entrepreneurial intention.

Hypothesis 2c (H2c).

Opportunity recognition positively influences entrepreneurial intention.

Hypothesis 2d (H2d).

Fear of Failure negatively influences entrepreneurial intention.

Having established the interconnection between entrepreneurial intention and SDGs and the formulation of hypotheses, we have systematically undertaken the construction of a conceptual model that combines both strands of information. The primary objective of this model is to amalgamate and synthesize the identified relationships between entrepreneurial intention and critical variables, thereby furnishing a comprehensive framework conducive to comprehending the underlying processes. The construction of this model signifies a pivotal stride in attaining a profound comprehension of the intricacies propelling entrepreneurship and, by extension, its role in contributing to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Figure 1 serves as a visual representation of the elucidated conceptual model in this research endeavor.

3. Methods

3.1. Data and Sample

The GEM 2018 provided detailed insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship across different countries. It included comprehensive data on entrepreneurial activities, attitudes, and aspirations, offering an invaluable resource for researchers and policymakers. The 2018 edition of the GEM focused on numerous global trends in entrepreneurship, including factors influencing entrepreneurial intentions, the impact of economic conditions on entrepreneurial activities, and differences in entrepreneurship across genders and age groups.

Our research utilizes data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), specifically drawing from the Adult Population Survey (APS) for the year 2018. Established in 1997, the GEM’s overarching mission is to foster global development through the comprehensive measurement and analysis of various facets related to entrepreneurship. In particular, the GEM’s extensive database on entrepreneurial intentions has been a valuable resource for secondary data in numerous scholarly studies, including those by Leković et al. [43], Linardi and Costa [81], Pita et al. [82], Ratten et al. [59], Urbano and Alvarez [42], and Voda et al. [83]. Recognizing that the randomness of the sample is crucial for its validity and representativeness, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Adult Population Survey (APS) employs a stratified probabilistic sampling technique, ensuring that each individual within the defined strata has an equal and known chance of being selected, thus accurately reflecting the diversity and characteristics of the adult population in each country studied.

For this study, the GEM-APS database was filtered using three specific indicators to refine the sample. Firstly, the focus was narrowed to include only individuals employed in the social sector. This selection criterion ensured that the research subjects were directly involved in social work or related fields. Secondly, to understand entrepreneurial intentions among non-entrepreneurs, the sample was further filtered to exclude current entrepreneurs. This step was crucial for isolating the perspectives of those not already engaged in entrepreneurship but who might possess the potential for such pursuits. Finally, we specifically targeted high-income nations as of 2018, adhering to the World Bank’s classification criteria. These criteria are adjusted annually for inflation using the Special Drawing Rights deflator, considering factors like economic growth, inflation, exchange rates, and population growth on Atlas GNI per capita. In 2018, high-income countries had a GNI per capita greater than 12,376 dollars. This focus on high-income countries aimed to understand entrepreneurial intentions within a specific economic context, considering that such environments might offer different challenges and opportunities for social entrepreneurship compared to middle- or low-income countries. Consequently, the countries included in this study comprised a diverse array of nations with varying levels of income and cultural backgrounds. These countries included the United States, Greece, Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Argentina, Chile, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Luxembourg, Ireland, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Panama, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, and Qatar. To facilitate the analysis, each country was converted into a dummy variable, serving as both a categorical and a control variable within the research framework. Based on these criteria, the final sample size for the study was 4545 social workers.

3.2. Measures

The dependent variable “Intention to Start a Business” (BSTART) measures an individual’s inclination towards initiating a new business venture. It captures not just the desire but also the likelihood of an individual stepping into entrepreneurship in the near future.

Regarding the independent variables, “Desirable Career Choice” (CAREER) assesses if starting a business is seen as an attractive and viable career path, encompassing perceptions of autonomy, personal fulfillment, and financial gain. “Social Status” (STATUS) reflects the idea that initiating a business is linked to high social esteem and respect, covering the admiration and recognition from peers and the community. “Media/Internet” (MEDIA) relates to how successful new businesses are portrayed in public media and the internet, influencing perceptions and aspirations about entrepreneurship. “Solving Social Problems” (SOCP) measures the drive towards starting a business primarily to address social challenges, highlighting the aspect of social entrepreneurship. “Knowledge and Skills” (KNOW) represents the individual’s business-related expertise, skills, and experiences, indicating their preparedness and capability to launch a new venture. “Networking” (NET) points to the individual’s connections with other entrepreneurs, crucial for gaining insights, resources, and support essential for business success. “Opportunity Recognition” (OPT) focuses on an individual’s perception of viable business opportunities, a key factor in deciding to start a new enterprise. Lastly, “Fear of Failure” (FOF) evaluates the apprehension about failing in starting a business, which can significantly hinder entrepreneurial initiatives.

As for the control variables, the first is “Gender” (GEN), representing the individual’s gender. The second is “Country” (COUNTRY), indicating the individual’s country of origin. The third is “Education” (EDUC), reflecting the individual’s level of education. The fourth is “Age” (AGE), denoting the individual’s age. The fifth is “Private Business” (PRIV), signaling whether the individual is employed in a private social business.

Table 1. Variables.

Dependent Variable	Description	Source	Type
Intention to start a Business (BSTART)	Individual’s intention to start a business	GEM 2018 (APS)	Binary
Independent Variables	Description	Source	Type
Desirable Career Choice (CAREER)	Starting a new business as a good career choice	GEM2018 (APS)	Binary
Social Status (STATUS)	Starting a new business has a high level of status and respect	GEM 2018 (APS)	Binary
Media/Internet (MEDIA)	Stories of successful new businesses in public media/internet	GEM 2018 (APS)	Binary
Solving social problems (SOCP)	Businesses that primarly aim to solve social problems	GEM 2018 (APS)	Binary
Knowledge and Skills (KNOW)	Individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience	GEM 2018 (APS)	Binary
Networking (NET)	Individual’s knowledge of entrepeneurs	GEM 2018 (APS)	Binary
Opportunity Recognition (OPT)	Individual’s perception of a business opportunity	GEM 2018 (APS)	Binary
Fear of Failure (FOF)	Individual’s Fear of Failure	GEM 2018 (APS)	Binary
Control Variables	Description	Source	Type
Gender (GEN)	Individual’s Gender	GEM 2018 (APS)	Binary
Country (COUNTRY)	Country	GEM 2018 (APS)	Dummy
Education (EDUC)	Individual’s Education	GEM 2018 (APS)	Multinomial
Age (AGE)	Individual’s Age	GEM 2018 (APS)	Continuos
Private Business (PRIV)	Employed in a private business	GEM 2018 (APS)	Binary
Government (GOV)	Employed by the government	GEM 2018 (APS)	Binary
Easiness to Start a Business (EASY)	Individual’s perception of the ease of starting a business	GEM 2018 (APS)	Binary
Expecting to Start a Business (FUTSUP)	Individual’s expectations regarding starting a business	GEM 2018 (APS)	Binary

outlines the variables utilized in the study aimed at analyzing the intention to start a business. The variables are categorized into three groups: dependent variable, independent variables, and control variables.

3.3. Statistical Methods

To evaluate our research hypotheses, we employed a multivariate logistic regression analysis, constructing a total of nine distinct models. These models were segmented into three primary dimensions based on occupational variables, categorizing individuals as working in either the public or private sectors or considering the entire sample. For each of these segments—All Sample, Public, and Private—three separate models were executed. The first model focused solely on control variables as a robustness check. The second included all independent variables, while the third substituted four social values variables—CAREER, STATUS, MEDIA, and SOCP—with a single variable created through factor analysis, named SOCV. This factor analysis was essential for encompassing these dimensions, aligning with the GEM conceptual framework for social values in entrepreneurship [84].

Our choice of binary logistic regression for the statistical analysis was driven by the dichotomous nature of most variables and its prevalent use in similar studies utilizing GEM data [42,82,83]. This comprehensive approach allowed us to thoroughly investigate the nuances of our research hypotheses within the context of global entrepreneurship trends. The function used in the logistic regression to estimate the probability of a given realization j (j = 1, …, n) of the dependent variable occurring, i.e., companies abandoning innovation activities, $(P\left[Y_j=1\right]={\widehat{\pi }}_j$), can be expressed by $\widehat{\pi }=\frac{e^{X\beta }}{1+e^{X\beta }}$, where $\widehat{\pi }$ is the vector of estimated probabilities, X is the matrix of independent variables and β is the vector of logistic regression coefficients. As the logistic model was used, the Odds Ratio (OR) was estimated [85]. Linearizing this function with the logit transformation of the dependent variable gives the logistic regression econometric model under analysis, and the following model was estimated:

$$Logit\left({\widehat{BSTART}}_j\right)={\beta }_0+{\beta }_1{CONTROL}_j$$

(1)

$$Logit\left({\widehat{BSTART}}_j\right)={\beta }_0+{\beta }_1{CONTROL}_j+{\beta }_2{NET}_j+{\beta }_3{OPT}_J+{\beta }_4{KNOW}_j+{\beta }_5{FOF}_j+{\beta }_6{CAREER}_J+{\beta }_7{STATUS}_j+{\beta }_8{MEDIA}_j+{\beta }_9{SOCP}_j$$

(2)

$$Logit\left({\widehat{BSTART}}_j\right)={\beta }_0+{\beta }_1{CONTROL}_j+{\beta }_2{SOCV}_j$$

(3)

Given that data were collected from multiple countries, we addressed the potential violation of the independence assumption by employing clustered robust standard errors, with the country serving as the clustering variable. This approach negated the need for dummy variables related to the company’s country of origin. We also examined potential multicollinearities among the variables, analyzing their correlations and the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) values, which were all found to be below 5.

4. Results

Table 2. Descriptive Statistics.

Variable	N	Min	Max	Mean	SD
EDU	4507	0	1	0.49	0.5
NET	4506	0	1	0.37	0.482
OPT	3702	0	1	0.51	0.5
KNOW	4320	0	1	0.44	0.497
FOF	4317	0	1	0.45	0.498
CAREER	4226	0	1	0.56	0.497
STATUS	4298	0	1	0.7	0.458
MEDIA	4273	0	1	0.59	0.492
EASY	2630	0	1	0.41	0.492
SOCP	2693	0	1	0.33	0.47
BSTART	4521	0	1	0.09	0.288
FUTSUP	4339	0	1	0.19	0.389
PRIV	4519	0	1	0.35	0.478
GOV	4515	0	1	0.33	0.472
GEN	4545	0	1	0.45	0.497
AGE	4349	18	83	42.29	12.92
SOCV	2356	−1.95	1.57	0	1

Note: SD—Standard Deviation.

corresponds to the descriptive statistics of all variables, while

Table A1. Correlation Matrix.

Variable	EDU	NET	OPT	KNOW	FOF	CAREER	STATUS	MEDIA	EASY	SOCP	BSTART	FUTSUP	PRIV	GOV	GEN	AGE
NET	0.097 **
OPT	0.147 **	0.203 **
KNOW	0.045 **	0.213 **	0.168 **
FOF	0.03	0.011	−0.059 **	−0.148 **
CAREER	−0.052 **	0.031 *	0.128 **	0.027	−0.007
STATUS	0.057 **	0.002	0.118 **	−0.015	0.081 **	0.142 **
MEDIA	0.012	0.022	0.102 **	0.03	0.011	0.141 **	0.152 **
EASY	0.040 *	0.045 *	0.243 **	0.089 **	−0.094 **	0.122 **	0.078 **	0.128 **
SOCP	−0.013	0.019	0.076 **	0.067 **	−0.036	0.081 **	0.105 **	0.154 **	0.135 **
BSTART	0.021	0.145 **	0.099 **	0.189 **	−0.068 **	0.073 **	0.018	0.040 **	0.017	0.070 **
FUTSUP	0.031 *	0.157 **	0.142 **	0.226 **	−0.076 **	0.083 **	0.008	0.054 **	0.019	0.049 *	0.407 **
PRIV	−0.106 **	0.032 *	−0.007	0.124 **	−0.071 **	0.018	0.005	−0.029	−0.01	0.046 *	0.090 **	0.078 **
GOV	0.056 **	−0.021	−0.014	−0.039 *	0.024	−0.004	−0.002	−0.043 **	−0.052 **	−0.048 *	−0.028	−0.009	−0.429 **
GEN	−0.037 *	0.050 **	0.041 *	0.136 **	−0.062 **	0.003	0.004	0.003	0.007	0.023	0.084 **	0.089 **	0.144 **	−0.028
AGE	−0.005	−0.104 **	−0.041 *	0.026	−0.052 **	−0.062 **	−0.058 **	0.012	−0.006	−0.036	−0.088 **	−0.141 **	−0.062 **	0.066 **	−0.018
SOC_V	0.008	0.019	0.204 **	0.075 **	0.034	0.558 **	0.622 **	0.629 **	0.199 **	0.545 **	0.085 **	0.077 **	0.008	−0.079 **	0.026	−0.049 *

Note: ** p < 0.01 (2-tailed); * p < 0.05.

(Appendix A) corresponds to the correlation matrix. Apart from the variables AGE and SOCV, all variables are binary. It can be seen from the correlation matrix that there are no multicollinearity problems that might compromise the econometric estimations.

Table 3. Binary Logistic Estimations—Regression Coefficients (Standard Error).

All Sample				Public			Private
	Model 1	Model 2	Model 3	Model 4	Model 5	Model 6	Model 7	Model 8	Model 9
NET		0.818 ** (0.185)	0.777 ** (0.183)		0.799 ** (0.183)	0.764 ** (0.181)		0.799 ** (0.184)	0.758 ** (0.182)
OPT		−0.019 (0.195)	0.006 (0.194)		−0.059 (0.194)	0.033 (0.193)		0.022 (0.195)	0.003 (0.194)
KNOW		0.814 ** (0.207)	0.798 ** (0.205)		0.825 ** (0.205)	0.807 ** (0.204)		0.830 ** (0.207)	0.810 ** (0.205)
FOF		−0.151 (0.186)	−0.169 (0.185)		−0.131 (0.185)	0.149 (0.184)		0.153 (0.186)	0.173 (0.184)
CAREER		0.404 * (0.202)			0.420 * (0.201)			0.422 * (0.202)
STATUS		−0.098 (0.195)			−0.092 (0.194)			0.121 (0.194)
MEDIA		−0.227 (0.195)			−0.231 (0.193)			0.247 (0.193)
SOCP		0.278 (0.197)			0.272 (0.196)			0.270 (0.196)
SOCV			0.080 (0.099)			0.084 (0.098)			0.069 (0.098)
FUTSUP	2.274 ** (0.167)	1.923 ** (0.195)	1.930 ** (0.194)	2.276 ** (0.167)	1.923 ** (0.194)	1.927 ** (0.193)	2.285 ** (0.167)	1.930 ** (0.194)	1.939 ** (01.94)
PRIV	0.460 * (0.196)	0.505 * (0.235)	0.531 * (0.235)				0.414 * (0.164)	0.428 * (0.190)	0.441 * (0.190)
GOV	0.091 (0.203)	0.144 (0.241)	0.167 (0.239)	−0.177 (0.170)	−0.168 (0.195)	0.158 (0.195)
GEN	0.233 (0.153)	0.112 (0.179)	0.096 (0.178)	0.265 (0.152)	0.151 (0.176)	0.140 (0.175)	0.243 (0.153)	0.126 (0.178)	0.111 (0.177)
AGE	−0.005 (0.006)	−0.004 (0.007)	−0.005 (0.007)	−0.004 (0.006)	−0.003 (0.007)	0.004 (0.007)	0.005 (0.006)	0.004 (0.07)	0.005 (0.007)
EASY	0.031 (0.165)	− 0.074 (0.198)	−0.083 (0.196)	0.005 (0.164)	−0.103 (197)	0.115 (0.195)	0.035 (0.165)	0.062 (0.197)	0.071 (0.195)
EDU	0.147 (0.161)	0.026 (0.188)	0.022 (0.188)	0.119 (0.159)	−0.005 (0.186)	−0.016 (0.185)	0.158 (0.160)	0.035 (0.188)	0.032 (0.187)
Pseudo R2	34.7%	38.6%	38.1%	34.4%	38.1%	37.5%	34.9%	38.7%	38.1%

Note: * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01.

represents the nine econometric estimations, broken down by the three dimensions—All Sample; Public; and Private. The Pseudo R² of the estimates was obtained through the Nagelkerke R². The explicitness of the models is between 34% and 38%, i.e., the models with only control variables, with a lower level, and having a growth from that first model, in the three different dimensions.

Regarding the logistic regressions, in all models, the control variable corresponding to planning the creation of a future business (FUTSUP) (Model 1: β = 2.274, p < 0.01; Model 2 and Model 5: β = 1.923, p < 0.01; Model 3 and Model 8: β = 1.930, p < 0.01; Model 4: β = 2.276, p < 0.01; Model 6: β = 1.927, p < 0.01; Model 7: β = 2.285, p < 0.01; Model 9: β = 1.939, p < 0.01) is significant. Since the relationships studied are based on the intention to create a business, this association shows that the sample’s desire to create a business is also visible from a future perspective. In addition, the variable corresponding to occupation in the private sector (PRIV) (Model 1: β = 0.460, p < 0.05; Model 2: β = 0.505, p < 0.05; Model 3: β = 0.531, p < 0.05; Model 7: β = 0.414, p < 0.05; Model 8: β = 0.428, p < 0.05; Model 9: β = 0.441, p < 0.05) is also always significant throughout the models in which it was inserted. This shows a predisposition of individuals in the private sector to create businesses, rather than in the public sector.

Networking (NET) with other entrepreneurs was one of the individual characteristics that was significant in the estimations regarding all sample (Model 2: β = 0.818, p < 0.01; Model 3: β = 0.777, p < 0.01), public (Model 5: β = 0.799, p < 0.01; Model 6: β = 0.764, p < 0.01), and private sector (Model 8: β = 0.799, p < 0.01; Model 9: β = 0.758, p < 0.01). The other individual characteristic that was significant was entrepreneurial knowledge and skills (KNOW) in all sample (Model 2: β = 0.814, p < 0.01; Model 3: β = 0.798, p < 0.01), public (Model 5: β = 0.825, p < 0.01; Model 6: β = 0.807, p < 0.01) and private sector (Model 8: β = 0.830, p < 0.01; Model 9: β = 0.810, p < 0.01). The only relationship that proved significant within the social values referring to entrepreneurship was through the variable translated into business creation as a good career option (CAREER) (Model 2: β = 0.404, p < 0.05; Model 5: β = 0.420, p < 0.05; Model 8: β = 0.422, p < 0.05).

The remaining relationships studied were not significant. Specifically at the level of individual entrepreneurial characteristics were the fear of failure (FOF) and the recognition of opportunities (OPT). Within entrepreneurial social values, the level of status being an entrepreneur (STATUS), the portrayal of successful businesses in the media (MEDIA), and businesses that aim to solve problems (SOCP) did not translate into significant relationships within this sample. It should also be noted that the variable extracted across these four dimensions (SOCV) was also not shown to be significant.

In summary, within the hypotheses developed for this study, three of them were supported by this analysis—(H1a). Entrepreneurship as a desirable career choice positively influences entrepreneurial intention; (H2a). The perception of having entrepreneurial knowledge and skills positively influences entrepreneurial intention; and (H2b). Personally knowing entrepreneurs positively influences entrepreneurial intention.

5. Discussion

This study sought to explore the intersection between social work and entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on how entrepreneurial intentions among social workers impact their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our analysis supported three of our primary hypotheses—H1a, H2a, and H2b—while others did not garner the same level of empirical support.

In alignment with the findings of Freytag and Thurik [38] and Parker and Van Praag [39], our study confirms that perceiving entrepreneurship as a desirable career choice significantly influences entrepreneurial intentions. This mirrors the societal perception of entrepreneurship, augmented by media portrayal and the associated social status, as Bacq et al. [41] emphasized. Our research contributes to the broader discourse by reaffirming the idea that the attractiveness of entrepreneurship as a career path positively affects the willingness to engage in entrepreneurial ventures, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by highlighting the role of entrepreneurship in promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.

Additionally, our results underscore the importance of entrepreneurial knowledge and skills in shaping these intentions, resonating with the theories of Camerer and Lovallo [48] and Koellinger et al. [47]. This finding highlights the role of perceived competence and self-efficacy in entrepreneurship, suggesting that knowledge and skill building are essential elements of entrepreneurial education and training. This aspect particularly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), emphasizing the need for education systems to foster entrepreneurship and innovation.

The positive influence of personally knowing entrepreneurs on entrepreneurial intentions, in line with the research of Ozdemir and Karadeniz [58] and Arenius and Minniti [54], underscores the importance of mentorship, networking, and role models in encouraging entrepreneurial aspirations, especially among social workers. This finding is relevant to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), highlighting the value of building networks and partnerships for achieving successful entrepreneurial outcomes.

Contrary to our expectations, some hypotheses did not find support in our data. This divergence, such as the role of media in portraying new business successes, suggests a more complex understanding of entrepreneurial intentions and could indicate evolving media consumption patterns or unique characteristics of our study’s demographic.

Regarding the broader implications for SDGs, our study underlines the potential of entrepreneurial intentions, shaped by personal knowledge, skills, and social networks, to significantly contribute to global development goals. Entrepreneurial activities in social work, especially those grounded in social values and sustainability, closely align with objectives like reducing inequality (SDG 10), fostering economic growth (SDG 8), and promoting sustainable communities (SDG 11).

5.1. Theoretical Implications

From a theoretical standpoint, the implications of these findings extend beyond the immediate context of this study. They explained the dynamics of entrepreneurship and the factors influencing entrepreneurial inclinations within the specific group of social workers. This finding aligns with broader theories of entrepreneurship that emphasize the importance of individual intention as a precursor to entrepreneurial action. The observed predisposition of social workers in the private sector towards entrepreneurship, compared to their counterparts in the public sector, sheds light on the interplay between occupational context and entrepreneurial tendencies. It emphasizes that the work environment can significantly influence one’s inclination to engage in entrepreneurial activities. The highlighted role of networking with other entrepreneurs as a consistent influence on entrepreneurial intentions underscores the power of social networks to drive entrepreneurial aspirations. It aligns with existing literature suggesting that exposure to successful entrepreneurs and access to valuable networks can be a catalyst for entrepreneurial endeavors. Therefore, the perception of entrepreneurship as a desirable career choice, entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, and personal acquaintance with entrepreneurs are key variables to be considered when analyzing entrepreneurial intentions.

5.2. Practical Implications

Based on the findings of this study, several practical implications can be drawn that can be applied to promote entrepreneurship among social workers. Since entrepreneurial knowledge and skills have been shown to be influential in entrepreneurial intentions, developing specific education and training programs for social workers can be beneficial. These programs may include entrepreneurship courses, practical workshops, and access to educational resources related to entrepreneurship. Considering the importance of the intention to create a business, strategies to promote the desire to venture can be implemented. These strategies can include awareness campaigns, success stories of entrepreneurs, and mentorship programs to inspire social workers to consider entrepreneurship as a career option. Given that networking with other entrepreneurs is an influential factor, creating opportunities to establish connections with existing entrepreneurs can be valuable. Creating these opportunities may involve organizing networking events, online discussion groups, or mentorship programs that connect social workers with experienced entrepreneurs. Since social workers in the private sector have shown a greater inclination toward entrepreneurship, specific policies and incentives, such as tax benefits, grants, or targeted financial support, can be implemented to encourage entrepreneurship in this context. Facilitating access to entrepreneurial resources, such as financing, shared workspaces, and guidance, can help remove practical barriers for those who wish to start a business. Establishing partnerships between academic institutions, social assistance organizations, and entrepreneurial entities can create more robust entrepreneurial ecosystems. These partnerships can provide comprehensive support to social workers who wish to start their own businesses.

5.3. SDGs Implications

The SDGs are a global agenda aimed at addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges worldwide. The implications for the SDGs of this study on entrepreneurship among social workers can be extensive, encompassing various key areas, from economic growth and quality education to poverty reduction and gender equality. Promoting entrepreneurship can contribute to the achievement of multiple SDGs if policies and actions are designed and implemented strategically and inclusively. This study suggests that promoting entrepreneurship among social workers can contribute to economic growth. Encouraging business creation can help create decent and sustainable jobs, aligning with SDG 8. Access to entrepreneurial education resources and the development of specific education and training programs for social workers can contribute to quality education (SDG 4). Fostering entrepreneurship can be an effective way to reduce poverty. The establishment of successful businesses can improve people’s living conditions, contributing to poverty eradication (SDG 1). This research highlights the importance of the private sector in relation to entrepreneurship. Policies and incentives to promote entrepreneurship among social workers in both the public and private sectors can help reduce inequalities (SDG 10). Creating partnerships between academic institutions, social assistance organizations, and entrepreneurial entities aligns with SDG 17, which focuses on the importance of collaboration among different stakeholders to achieve sustainable goals. Fostering entrepreneurship requires infrastructure and environments conducive to innovation. Thus, promoting entrepreneurship among social workers can contribute to the development of infrastructure and innovation, aligning with SDG 9. The creation of businesses and jobs can have positive impacts on people’s health and well-being by providing them with livelihoods and access to healthcare services, which is related to SDG 3. Encouraging entrepreneurship among social workers can also be a way to promote gender equality (SDG 5) if measures are taken to ensure that men and women have equal opportunities in entrepreneurship.

5.4. Limitations and Future Research Directions

All research has its limitations, and it is important to acknowledge them to guide future research. Data collection was conducted through self-reporting, which can lead to social desirability biases. Participants may provide responses they deem socially desirable, rather than reflecting their true entrepreneurial intentions. Conduct qualitative research to delve deeper into the motivations, challenges, and experiences of social workers seeking to become entrepreneurs. Since the study is of an observational nature, it does not rigorously allow the identification of cause-and-effect relationships. Conduct longitudinal or experimental studies to assess changes in entrepreneurial intentions over time and identify the factors influencing these changes. There may be unconsidered variables that also play a significant role in entrepreneurial intentions. Future research can aim to identify and integrate other relevant variables. Additional research can test interventions and programs designed to promote entrepreneurship among social workers and evaluate their impact. In addition to measuring the economic success of entrepreneurship among social workers, it is also crucial to investigate the social impact of entrepreneurial initiatives in this group. It is also relevant to study if there are differences among countries in the entrepreneurial inclinations of social workers, paying special attention to cultural differences.

6. Conclusions

This study aimed to answer the following questions: How do entrepreneurial intentions among social workers influence their contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and what are the implications of these intentions for social work practices and policies within the framework of sustainable development? It was identified that perceiving entrepreneurship as a desirable career choice, along with entrepreneurial knowledge and skills and a strong network of contacts with other entrepreneurs are significant factors influencing this intention. This study showed that entrepreneurial intention among social workers can play a fundamental role in promoting the SDGs, particularly in terms of sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction, and inequality. The importance of entrepreneurial education, creating sustainable jobs, and developing strategic partnerships to foster entrepreneurship in the context of social work is highlighted.

From the study’s conclusions, several practical implications emerge. Firstly, it is suggested to create specific education and training programs in entrepreneurship for social workers, emphasizing the development of entrepreneurial skills and the building of contact networks. Furthermore, it is advisable to implement policies and incentives that support entrepreneurship in the social sector, with special attention to the private sector.

This study also covers the way for future research that can further explore the factors motivating social workers to become entrepreneurs, as well as the challenges they face in this journey. Longitudinal or experimental studies would be particularly useful in understanding how entrepreneurial intentions change over time and what factors influence these changes.

In summary, this research article highlights the vital role of social workers in advancing the SDGs through entrepreneurship. It underlines the need for integrated strategies that combine education, social policies, and entrepreneurial practices, aiming for sustainable development. The findings reinforce the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that aligns the goals of social workers with the global needs and challenges of sustainable development.