What are we talking about when we refer to humane entrepreneurship?

TY - JOUR

T1 - What are we talking about when we refer to humane entrepreneurship?

AU - Dos Santos, Juliana Moreira

AU - Machado, Hilka Pelizza Vier

AU - Pereira, Gabriela Santos

AU - Santos, Susana C.

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © ANEGEPE, São Paulo-SP.

PY - 2026/1/1

Y1 - 2026/1/1

N2 - Purpose: To detail the foundations that underpin the concept of Humane Entrepreneurship (HumEnt) and to present the evolution of studies on this topic. Problem: Humane entrepreneurship is a novel concept within the field of entrepreneurship, and distinct approaches have discussed the phenomenon, often obscuring its understanding. Method: A Systematic Literature Review guided by the PRISMA protocol, using Rayyan software for study screening and Bibliometrix and VOSviewer for systematic and bibliometric analysis of 32 articles selected from the Web of Science, Scopus, Emerald, and ScienceDirect databases. Main results: the data showed that HumEnt does not have clearly defined boundaries but highlights its evolution and associated topics such as entrepreneurial education, ecosystems, social, community, and creative entrepreneurship, in addition to criticisms of the model. Issues such as religion and digitalization were also debated within HumEnt. Theoretical contributions: we present an integrated and systematized view of HumEnt, contributing to the definition of its contours and applicability in different contexts, facilitating its recognition and expansion. We also propose an agenda for future research, encouraging the continuation of academic debate and exploration of new dimensions of HumEnt. Relevance/Originality: HumEnt is an emerging concept that provides an opportunity to reflect on humanized entrepreneurial practices. Social/management contributions: The study may encourage entrepreneurs to adopt management styles focused on human, social, and environmental capital, promoting governmental actions for entrepreneurship aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. For Brazil and other Global South countries, the practice of HumEnt can leverage human capital and promote economic and social development in these contexts.

AB - Purpose: To detail the foundations that underpin the concept of Humane Entrepreneurship (HumEnt) and to present the evolution of studies on this topic. Problem: Humane entrepreneurship is a novel concept within the field of entrepreneurship, and distinct approaches have discussed the phenomenon, often obscuring its understanding. Method: A Systematic Literature Review guided by the PRISMA protocol, using Rayyan software for study screening and Bibliometrix and VOSviewer for systematic and bibliometric analysis of 32 articles selected from the Web of Science, Scopus, Emerald, and ScienceDirect databases. Main results: the data showed that HumEnt does not have clearly defined boundaries but highlights its evolution and associated topics such as entrepreneurial education, ecosystems, social, community, and creative entrepreneurship, in addition to criticisms of the model. Issues such as religion and digitalization were also debated within HumEnt. Theoretical contributions: we present an integrated and systematized view of HumEnt, contributing to the definition of its contours and applicability in different contexts, facilitating its recognition and expansion. We also propose an agenda for future research, encouraging the continuation of academic debate and exploration of new dimensions of HumEnt. Relevance/Originality: HumEnt is an emerging concept that provides an opportunity to reflect on humanized entrepreneurial practices. Social/management contributions: The study may encourage entrepreneurs to adopt management styles focused on human, social, and environmental capital, promoting governmental actions for entrepreneurship aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. For Brazil and other Global South countries, the practice of HumEnt can leverage human capital and promote economic and social development in these contexts.

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105030466154

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105030466154#tab=citedBy

U2 - 10.14211/regepe.esbj.e2659

DO - 10.14211/regepe.esbj.e2659

M3 - Article

SN - 2965-1506

VL - 15

JO - REGEPE Entrepreneurship and Small Business Journal

JF - REGEPE Entrepreneurship and Small Business Journal

M1 - e2859

ER -