Adopting Bricolage to Overcome Resource Constraints: The Case of Social Enterprises in Rural India

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (02) ◽  
pp. 371-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradeep Kumar Hota ◽  
Sumit Mitra ◽  
Israr Qureshi
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Dual Objectives

ABSTRACTSocial enterprises (SEs) primarily aim to create social value, that is, to generate benefits or reduce costs for society, while maintaining financial sustainability. Owing to their unique operating conditions and organizational characteristics, SEs face more severe resource challenges than their commercial counterparts. These challenges are exacerbated for SEs operating in emerging economies with complex social contexts. Overcoming these resource constraints and social challenges is vital for SEs to achieve their mission. Using an inductive multiple case-study approach, we identify a unique bricolage solution for achieving the dual objectives of SEs. Our findings suggest that identifying locally embedded village level entrepreneurs is a bricolage activity that social entrepreneurs leverage in the resource constrained environment of emerging economies, especially for the social enterprises that are active in the villages but were founded by social entrepreneurs who are not from these villages. This article therefore contributes to both social entrepreneurship literature as well as entrepreneurial bricolage literature and has important implications for future research and practice.

A hybrid approach to innovation by social enterprises: lessons from Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudheer Gupta ◽  
Stefanie Beninger ◽  
Jai Ganesh
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Societal Challenges

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a detailed analysis of the key capabilities needed for social enterprises to succeed in the context of extreme poverty. Facilitating growth and alleviating poverty in the world’s most impoverished regions requires introducing innovative solutions to achieve social impact while generating financial returns. Design/methodology/approach – This paper studies two social enterprises operating in Africa. Semi-structured interviewers were conducted with co-founders of the organizations. The transcribed interviews were analyzed through an open coding process, iterated to overarching categories, and compared between the organizations using a grounded theory approach. Secondary archival data and respondent validation were used to triangulate these findings. Findings – This paper proposes a model that highlights five key capabilities social enterprises need to tackle complex societal challenges while overcoming resource constraints and institutional voids. The processes followed to develop and deploy these capabilities are delineated, and the necessity of hybrid mechanisms that blend non-profit and private-sector approaches is shown as a key enabler for social enterprises to meet their dual objectives. Research limitations/implications – This research is limited to two cases studies from two different industries in Africa. Future research would refine and extend the proposed model to increase generalizability. Originality/value – This paper addresses a gap in the literature on understanding innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa, and it proposes a model for innovation derived from data. This paper also offers insights to the growing community of social entrepreneurs looking to develop sustainable solutions to societal challenges.

Social enterprise marketing: review of literature and future research agenda

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinmoy Bandyopadhyay ◽  
Subhasis Ray
Keyword(s):  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Keywords And Phrases ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review existing literature on marketing in social enterprises (SEs). It identifies major trends and issues and highlights gaps in the existing knowledge base on social enterprise marketing (SEM). Design/methodology/approach Relevant articles on SEM were searched, following the PRISMA framework, in online databases using keywords and phrases like “marketing in social enterprises,” “marketing strategy/practice in social enterprises,” “social enterprise marketing” and “business practices in social enterprises.” After screening and checking for eligibility, 47 significant articles published in 21 peer-reviewed journals during 1995–2018 were selected for review. Findings The findings suggest that marketing in SEs has different issues and challenges when compared to marketing practices adopted by conventional business organizations. They are forced to address the varied expectations of the stakeholders in a resource-constrained situation, which creates problems for them. The review also highlights the fact that resource constraints, legacy mindset, and lack of marketing skills limit the impact of marketing practices in SEs. To address these issues, many social entrepreneurs survive through cost-effective marketing techniques. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first effort to identify and analyze extant literature in SEM. The resultant themes and research gaps highlight the current status of SEM literature. The paper can help SEs to understand and plan their marketing activities for better impact and profitability. Future research can draw on the findings of this review.

scholarly journals Social Entrepreneurial Intention among Business Undergraduates: An Emerging Economy Perspective

2013 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayob Noorseha
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intention ◽  
Emerging Economy ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Private Higher Education ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
The Social ◽  
Perceived Desirability

Social entrepreneurs are viewed as having the abilities to combat social and economic problems in which government, businesses, and non-profits may not be able to solve the problems alone. Consequently, with the collaboration among these sectors, more social enterprises can be established to create social values and development in a nation, specifically among the emerging economies. Therefore, it is timely to investigate what motivates undergraduates to develop social entrepreneurial intention. Drawing from the entrepreneurial models of Shapero and Sokol (1982) and Kruger and Brazeal (1994), this study aims to examine the social entrepreneurial intention among undergraduates from the perspective of an emerging economy. The proposed conceptual model differs from the existing entrepreneurial intention studies by adding the concepts of empathy and social entrepreneurship exposure as the antecedents to perceived desirability and perceived feasibility of social enterprising start-up, which in turn link to social entrepreneurial intention. Using the quota sampling technique, data were collected from 257 business and economics undergraduates from both public and private higher education institutions in Malaysia. The survey instrument was adapted from prior related studies, for instance, Davis (1983) for empathy; Shapero and Sokol (1982) for social entrepreneurship exposure; Krueger (1993) for perceived desirability and perceived feasibility; and Chen et al. (1998) for social entrepreneurial intention. Partial least squares path modelling was used to analyze the hypothesized relationships in the proposed conceptual framework. It is hoped that the findings of this study will shed light on the existing literature of social entrepreneurship, specifically the social entrepreneurial intention studies from the emerging economies perspective.    

Social Enterprises as Hybrid Organisations

2021 ◽  
pp. 73-85
Author(s):  
Mehlika Saraç
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Social Value ◽  
Value Capture ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Hybrid Organizing ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Dual Objectives

Social enterprises are organizations that seek to achieve social goals through innovative and social value-creating activities. However, besides their social objectives, they are confronting financial and resource-based challenges in the markets to provide their sustainability. The tension between these dual objectives leads organizations to focus on one of the strategies value-creating or value capture. However, in recent years, hybrid organizing is seen as an alternative way of balancing dual objectives. Thus this study aims to understand how hybrid social enterprises perform well and create social impact. A qualitative descriptive single case study approach will be used to analyze a hybrid organization and its consequences.

scholarly journals Decoding the Process of Social Value Creation by Chinese and Indian Social Entrepreneurs: Contributory Factors and Contextual Embeddedness

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (02) ◽  
pp. 269-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepak Sardana ◽  
Vassiliki Bamiatzi ◽  
Ying Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Value Creation ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Social Value ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Process Framework ◽  
Social Value Creation

ABSTRACTNowadays social entrepreneurship is recognized as a two-way process, addressing both social and economic concerns that can bring social inclusion, equity, and development to disadvantaged groups in society. This aspect is particularly important and desirable within emerging economies. In these markets, which are constantly faced with profound economic and social challenges, we see the growing importance of social entrepreneurs as they take upon themselves the provision of welfare services and progressive activities. However, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the creation of social and economic values in social enterprises, and the factors contributing to the establishment of these value creation objectives, is still rather fragmented. Our article contributes to this gap in the literature by decoding the process via which for-profit social entrepreneurs from China and India create social and economic value. In addition, by combining a deductive and an inductive approach of analysis, we offer novel insights into the context-dependent processual patterns deciphered within the two countries. A new entrepreneurial process framework that reflects the contextualized social value creation process by social entrepreneurs is thus provided.

scholarly journals Social innovation drivers in social enterprises: systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 775-795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iraci de Souza João-Roland ◽  
Maria L. Granados
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Generic Model ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point

PurposeIdentify the drivers of social innovation (SI) that bring together the main management tools and approaches associated with the creation of SI in social enterprises (SEs).Design/methodology/approachA systematic review was developed in the Web of Science, Scopus and EBSCO databases, using the keywords: social innovation, social enterprise and management. After analysis of quality and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 54 articles were selected for full analysis.FindingsSI process was systemised into four steps: mapping and development, consolidation, scaling up and evaluation. The drivers of SI were mapped and classified into three main factors: contextual, organisational and managerial.Practical implicationsIn organisational factors, business model was emphasised, as well as partnerships, participatory culture and intrapreneurship, adequate levels of bricolage and continuous learning. The management factors included the characteristics of the entrepreneur/innovator and managerial practices, where those that facilitate teamwork and the participation of all involved are best suited. In contextual factors, the highlight was the need for support from policy makers; community participation and demand for innovations that consider local context and usability.Originality/valueThis study connects previously scattered knowledge in a generic model of SI, highlighting routines and processes used, and provides a starting point for innovators and social entrepreneurs in the complex, uncertain and often unknown process of SI. Additionally, several research gaps were identified to be addressed by future research in the context of SI management.

scholarly journals Social entrepreneurship orientation: development of a measurement scale

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 977-997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sascha Kraus ◽  
Thomas Niemand ◽  
Jantje Halberstadt ◽  
Eleanor Shaw ◽  
Pasi Syrjä
Keyword(s):  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
First Time

Purpose Despite growing scholarly interest in social entrepreneurs and the social enterprises (SE) they create, few studies have examined the hybridity of SE including, surprisingly, whether they adopt an entrepreneurial orientation (EO). One explanation for this may be the continuing lack of an appropriate scale measuring social entrepreneurship orientation (SEO). The purpose of this paper is to address this research gap by proposing an initial SEO scale based on input from scholars in the fields of entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach This study employed mixed methods and a two stage design. In stage 1, a Delphi study with 18 researchers with expertise of investigating entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship was used to generate constructs combining aspects of both social and EOs. In stage 2, the authors assessed the face validity of the derived items from the Delphi study by conducting a survey with 82 such experts. Findings This paper provides fresh empirical insights into how SEO can be measured by proposing, for the first time, a 12 item scale with four dimensions for the first time. Research limitations/implications The authors recommend that future studies employ quantitative methods, particularly with firms exhibiting differing levels of the “socialness” dimension which the authors propose and that such studies involve a variety of research informants. Statistical analysis of data collected across large sample sizes will help evaluate the reliability and validity of the scale which the authors propose. Practical implications This paper includes implications for future research based on the proposed SEO measurement scale. Originality/value This paper develops the first SEO scale based on empirical data collected from experts in the fields of entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship.

scholarly journals Impact of social entrepreneurs on community development in the Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality area, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Russ Ngatse-Ipangui ◽  
Maurice O. Dassah
Keyword(s):  
Community Development ◽  
Cape Town ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
Economic Problems ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Margin Of Error ◽  
Home Based Care ◽  
The Impact

Social entrepreneurs are well positioned to tackle socio-economic problems in deprived communities. The impact of social entrepreneurs is becoming important for addressing social challenges and providing innovative, sustainable and effective social solutions. Although many entrepreneurs are active in the Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality area, their impact on community development remains largely unreported publicly. This article focuses on social entrepreneurs’ impact on community development and provides an understanding of their impact. It addresses the question: what impact do social entrepreneurs have on community development? It is based on a study that combines qualitative and quantitative data collection methods conducted in Khayelitsha (Harare) and Gugulethu (Section 21). The sample consisted of 73 respondents representing social organisations, social entrepreneurs and individual township residents, selected by using the margin of error formula. Interviews and a questionnaire were the instruments. It was found that social entrepreneurs positively impact communities’ development in several ways: improvements through training, educating and facilitating communities’ engagement in different activities such as home-based care and developing children’s mentality and creating space for people to develop their needs. Despite the crucial role social enterprises play in deprived communities, their activities do not alleviate core community problems and their impact is minimal owing to shortcomings such as non-involvement of local people, unsustainability of their activities’ outcomes, lack of plans to present to communities, poor implementation of activities and weak monitoring of outcomes. To enhance their impact, social entrepreneurs should involve beneficiaries trapped within socio-economic problems in the process of community development.

A Review of Third Sector Reporting Frameworks

2019 ◽  
pp. 26-45
Author(s):  
Belinda Luke
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Third Sector ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Social Reporting ◽  
Limited Resources ◽  
Third Sector Organizations ◽  
Reporting Framework ◽  
Dual Objectives

The need for social reporting in third sector organizations is widely acknowledged. However, there is little agreement on how best to approach this. While various social reporting frameworks are available, the resource constraints (primarily time and money) of third sector organizations such as social enterprises, many of which are small or micro enterprises, are often overlooked in the development of these frameworks. Accordingly, the purpose of this chapter is to review the appropriateness of available social reporting frameworks, in view of social enterprises' hybrid nature and often limited resources. Borrowing from the discipline of accounting, fundamental financial reporting concepts and principles are considered, underscoring the need for a general-purpose reporting framework appropriate for social enterprises' dual objectives, limited resources, and their diverse range of stakeholders.

Financing Social Enterprises: An Upper Echelon Perspective

2021 ◽  
pp. 231971452110330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ritesh Shahi ◽  
Nadiya Parekh
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Upper Echelon ◽  
Financial Decisions ◽  
Financing Decisions ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Upper Echelons Theory ◽  
Financing Strategy

Social entrepreneurship literature is silent on what governs social enterprises’ (SE) financing decisions in contexts where there are no clear legal distinctions between social and commercial enterprises. Using a qualitative multiple case study approach, this research explores how social entrepreneurs decide their financial strategies and evaluate investors in such contexts where such blurred boundaries exist. The case study of nine Indian SEs operating in emerging sectors of health, education, and agriculture reveals social entrepreneurs’ perspectives on SE financing and practical dilemmas faced when moving beyond donation is considered. Our findings present that the organizational factors governing their financing strategy and due diligence criteria used for investor evaluation reflect the social entrepreneur’s value-based lens of self-conceptualizing their own vision of ‘What is a Social Enterprise’ in their financial decisions. Though this does not adhere to popular capital structure theories used in commercial finance, it conforms with Hambrick and Mason’s Upper Echelons Theory, which states that organizations reflect their top executive’s values and belief in their decisions. We observe in our study that self-discretion and value expression is a contextual necessity for social entrepreneurs operating in emerging sectors where there are no clear legal distinctions in organizational forms or theoretical directives on financing decisions.

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