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.

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.

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.

Social entrepreneurial sustainability during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin ◽  
Jesrina Ann Xavier ◽  
Muslim Amin
Keyword(s):  
Business Processes ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Entrepreneurial Strategies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and understand the needed entrepreneurial actions required to attain sustainability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social entrepreneurial sustainability is defined as the process of developing sustainable solutions for social, economic or environmental problems that are not being addressed by the market. This paper intends to get a clearer picture of how social entrepreneurial sustainability is affected by the exogenous shocks caused by the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative exploratory approach using a case study design was used. Semi-structured interviews with five CEOs and founders of accredited social enterprises in Malaysia that have proven sustainable were conducted. Triangulation was applied in this study through three different data sources to confirm and validate the emerging findings. Findings The findings reveal various innovative revenue-generating activities and business processes taken by social entrepreneurs to be sustainable during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as pivoting and forging new partnerships. Themes such as technical innovation and social innovation are critical concepts that need to be differentiated and understood. The introduction of a new construct termed “mission agility” will be of significant interest to academicians studying social entrepreneurship and sustainability. Practical implications The practical implications of this study suggest that if social enterprises implement the recommended strategies, they may achieve both short-term and long-term social entrepreneurial sustainability during the pandemic crisis and progressively into the post-pandemic era. Originality/value This study is unique by using two methods of data collection. By providing vital empirical evidence through primary and secondary data, the paper will offer robust findings and proposes recommendations on entrepreneurial strategies to foster the recovery and sustainability of social enterprises during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bricolage in Social Entrepreneurship

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Bacq ◽  
Laurel F. Ofstein ◽  
Jill R. Kickul ◽  
Lisa K. Gundry
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Entrepreneurial Bricolage ◽  
Societal Problems ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Creativity And Innovation

Social entrepreneurs face unique challenges in their dual pursuit of social and financial value creation to address pressing societal problems. While social entrepreneurs' behaviour and actions have been highlighted as an important source of creativity and innovation, this issue has largely been underresearched in the field of entrepreneurship. This paper explores the role of social entrepreneurs' bricolage behaviour in enabling their enterprises to scale their operations. The authors test their hypothesis on a unique database of 123 social enterprises using an online survey. They find a positive relationship between entrepreneurial bricolage and the scaling of social impact. The paper concludes with study implications, post hoc analyses and limitations and directions for future research.

Impact measurement in social enterprises: Australia and India

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debbie Haski-Leventhal ◽  
Akriti Mehra
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Impact Measurement ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Theoretical Sampling ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to extend existing research on impact measurement (IM) in social enterprises (SEs) by capturing, comparing and contrasting perceptions of IM in SEs in Australia and India. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was used to study five cases each in India and Australia. The SEs were identified using snowball and theoretical sampling, and grounded theory was applied to analyze the data. Findings Emerging perceptions of IM in both countries are described according to the development of the SE, its perceived impact and IM methods and challenges. Primary differences between India and Australia lie in perceptions of impact and IM, and related tools and processes. Similarities include understanding the importance of IM and the challenges faced. Signaling theory is used to depict how some SEs use IM to signal quality to their stakeholders and how information asymmetry can be reduced by measuring and reporting on IM. Research limitations/implications There is limited representation from developed and developing countries, and the snowball and theoretical sampling approaches used to identify SEs have limitations, including limited representation of SEs. Practical implications There is presently no standardized method of IM due to common challenges and perceived barriers. It is, therefore, important for SEs to work toward developing their own comprehensive IM methodology that is ingrained in strategy, applied on a regular basis and used to measure collective impact to increase sense of ownership and acceptability for employees and partners. Originality/value The paper brings the social entrepreneurs’ perspectives on measuring social impact while comparing these perspectives in one developing and one developed country.

Building boundary capabilities at the base of the pyramid

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Mezias ◽  
Mohamad Fakhreddin
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Base Of The Pyramid ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Institutional Perspective ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit

Purpose – Over the last 15 years, articles about the base of the pyramid (BOP) have begun to appear in scholarly business journals. Although attention was driven initially by claims that corporations could earn a fortune selling to these consumers, it became clear that this is difficult. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – To move beyond this difficulty, the authors emphasize the iterative boundary capabilities built by local, for profit enterprises as the key to creating markets at the BOP. Findings – The authors argue that the evolution of the business models to permit firms to earn profits and have positive social impact requires building iterative boundary capabilities and support this claim by reviewing two cases of community based non-profits. Research limitations/implications – Future research should demonstrate that the process the authors observed in these two cases applies in other contexts. Scaling social impact will require sharing knowledge about iterative boundary capabilities and developing best practices that can help effective allocation of patient capital to share best practice and guide public policy. Practical implications – Social entrepreneurs can conceptualize their own enterprises in terms of iterative boundary capabilities. Social investors can use the framework to assess and advise enterprises in which they may or have invested. Policy makers can enact laws and other legal actions to facilitate the formation of iterative boundary capabilities. Social implications – The authors see the framework as part of a broader move toward business models that pursue both positive social impact and profits. Originality/value – The authors link a structuring approach with an institutional perspective to enhance business models that pursue profit and create positive social impact in BOP communities.

scholarly journals Mapping the interactions between the stakeholders of the circular economy ecosystem applied to the textile and apparel sector in Romania

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1190-1209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Staicu ◽  
Oana Pop
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Textile And Apparel ◽  
The Way

Abstract The goal of this research is to acknowledge the elements which hinder or facilitate the transition from linear to the circular economy in the textile and apparel sector in Romania by identifying current and desired interactions among the ecosystem’s stakeholders. Two strands of literature, one on circular economy and one on the textile and apparel sector, provide the theoretical background for this research. Currently, the way we design, produce, and use clothing has drawbacks that are becoming increasingly clear. The circular economy principles have the potential to transform the way textiles are produced, consumed and disposed of. More and more social entrepreneurs are pioneering the future of the apparel industry by offering sustainable solutions to tackling systemic problems. However, their efforts have to be elevated and amplified, as such to pave the way for creating business models that allow for both economic performance and social impact. A comprehensive mapping of ongoing activities and stakeholders in the textile and apparel sector in Romania is required to understand the roadblocks to industry transformation in the context of moving toward circular economy and to implement envisioned sustainable solutions. In the paper we used a database of 27 stakeholders, developed by applying the snowball method, to investigate current and future interactions between the main actors who operate in the textile and apparel sector. To meet its research objectives, the paper employed a phenomenological research design and built upon a workshop activity. First, we designed an online survey to understand the profile and knowledge of the circular economy of the stakeholders included in our database. Second, we employed the world café method to understand in depth the level of knowledge of the actors who attended the workshop on the circular economy in the textile and apparel sector. Third, we used the structural systemic constellations method in assessing the stakeholders’ current and future desired interactions. Last, we formulated conclusions and recommendations about future research needed to deepen the understanding of the circular economy in the textile and apparel sector. Findings showed that there is a vicious circle of different actions feeding isolation and preventing collaboration among stakeholders. Also, we found that there is a lack of collaborative spaces where stakeholders can meet, connect and explore the various opportunities to collaborate, and a lack of general awareness on “circular economy and textile and apparel” and its mechanisms. The intended audiences of the research are decision-makers and practitioners in the textile and apparel sector, as well as researchers focused on the circular economy.

A grounded theory study for digital academic entrepreneurship

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 1567-1587
Author(s):  
Korinzia Toniolo ◽  
Eleonora Masiero ◽  
Maurizio Massaro ◽  
Carlo Bagnoli
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Academic Entrepreneurship ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Strategy Innovation ◽  
Virtuous Cycle

PurposeThis research aims to investigate how digital academic entrepreneurship (AE) develops, exploring its evolution from a micro to a macro perspective and highlighting the role of intellectual capital along the process. This paper contributes to the Special Issue on digital AE, providing research and practical implications.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a grounded theory approach which allows exploring the “How” question of digital AE. It focuses on the case of “Strategy Innovation,” the Ca' Foscari University of Venice (Italy) spin-off.FindingsDigital AE develops and regenerates through a virtuous cycle that, while supported by digital technologies, starts from single individuals and their networks, reaches a broader ecosystem, and ends once back to individuals. This study offers insights about the social impact of academic venturing activities and provides practitioners with useful insights for the understanding of academic spin-offs activities and related opportunities.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on the specific research context of “Strategy Innovation,” Ca' Foscari University of Venice (Italy) spin-off. Future research should address in-depth analyses in the exploration of how digital AE emerges and evolves in different contexts and forms.Originality/valueThis study investigates digital AE's development over time, broadly illustrating the phenomenon from a micro to a macro perspective and presenting an explicative and analytical model.

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