What Leads India’s New Economic Elite to Philanthropy

A study finds that entrepreneurs from marginalised castes and those with global education are more likely to give back to society.
Leena Kinger Hans
Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour. Her research focuses on how individuals make career-related decisions in a variety of settings, including entrepreneurship, family businesses, and low-wage occupations. In a secondary stream of work, she studies the antecedents of corporate philanthropy and its implications for non-profit organisations.

Video Summary

In this episode of The Big Picture, Professor Leena Kinger Hans explains her research on the philanthropic pursuits of India's newly successful commercial entrepreneurs following their venture exits. The study develops a conceptual model to explain how differences in social background, particularly caste, gender, and education, influence the likelihood of giving back to society. Her research finds that entrepreneurs from historically marginalised castes and those educated abroad are more likely to engage in philanthropy due to more acute understanding of social inequities.

Authored by ISB Editorial

Disclaimer: This video features research and insights developed at the Indian School of Business. While interpretations are those of the researchers, the content reflects ISB’s commitment to rigorous, impactful scholarship. The material is intended to inform, provoke thought, and support informed decision-making. It does not constitute professional advice or institutional endorsement of specific outcomes.