Ctlina Mitra CriȘan, Dan-Cristian Dabija, Vasile Dinu / Montenegrin Journal of Economics, Vol. 11, No. 2 (2015), 65-77 65 ‘ Social Entrepreneurship in Romania: Significance and Models Ctlina Mitra CriȘan 1 , Dan-Cristian Dabija 2 , Vasile Dinu 3 1 Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration Department of Management, e-mail: catalina.crisan@econ.ubbcluj.ro 2 Dan-Cristian Dabija, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Faculty of Economics and Business Admini- stration Department of Marketing, e-mail: cristian.dabija@econ.ubbcluj.ro 3 Vasile Dinu, Bucharest University of Economics, Romania, Faculty of Business and Tourism Department of Busi- ness, Mihai Eminescu Building, e-mail: dinu_cbz@yahoo.com ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Received Aug. 11, 2015 Received in revised from Oct. 27, 2015 Accepted Nov. 29, 2015 Available online Dec. 03, 2015 JEL classification: I31, I32, M14 DOI: 10.14254/1800-5845.2015/11-2/4 Keywords: Social entrepreneurship, Social enterprise, Social value, process, Social problems Approach: Social entrepreneurship is a complex process that pro- vides solutions to the most complex contemporary issues of our society. Nowadays, more and more organizations use this form of market approach when seeking to help less fortunate people, by providing unique benefits and by gaining the upper hand on a com- petitive level. In many cases, the impact of these organizations on target markets is undeniable, confirming the sustainable and critical nature of this process oriented towards solving social problems generated by: excessive resource consumption, environmental pollu- tion, increasing number of social assistance, discrimination against people with disabilities and vulnerable groups etc. Purpose: In the article, the authors provide an overview of the cur- rent state of social entrepreneurship research, offering baseline data on the state of social entrepreneurship in Romania. Even in the most austere environments, anyone possessing creativity and de- termination can dare launch social enterprises. Methodology: Supporting the theoretical premises of the literature, the authors turned to a qualitative empirical research, which they conducted with the help of an interview addressed to representa- tives of 1.418 organizations. Findings: Pertinent conclusions are drawn, thus increasing relevance both in terms of theoretical and practical aspects. Our research results function as a benchmark for further approaches in the field of social entrepreneurship and facilitate a better understanding of social entrepreneurship rates in Romania. 1. INTRODUCTION At a time when we cannot speak of economic progress and sustainable development with- out referring to the social value of an entity, responsible behaviour and social-oriented man- agement become benchmarks for any organization that seeks proper market positioning and best ways to meet customers’ needs. As private companies exert a growing influence on the Montenegrin Journal of Economics Vol. 11, No. 2 (2015), 65-77