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.

Entrepreneurial ecosystem and social entrepreneurship: case studies of community-based craft from Kutch, India

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Santana Pathak ◽  
Sujata Mukherjee
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Research Question ◽  
National Level ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This study aims to explore social entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) in the craft sector in the state of Gujarat, India. With liberalization, India witnessed the growth of social entrepreneurship and is considered one of the pioneering countries in social innovation. The objective of the research was to answer the research question: what role do various stakeholder groups play in creating and promoting craft sector social EEs. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a qualitative case study approach of methodological triangulation combining analysing documents, a participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Two case studies – one of the Ajrakh craft cluster from Ajrakhpur and the other of Kala Cotton from Aadeshar, Bhuj are studied to explore the symbiotic linkages of social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Kutch district of Gujarat, India. A total of 24 in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders of the EE. Findings The study concludes that the role of like-minded individuals/social entrepreneurs, social enterprises, design networks and educational institutions is vital towards revival and sustainability of craft as economic commodities geared for scalability. Furthermore, the engagement of the systemic condition agents such as various local and national level institutions, the communities play an important role to revitalize, redeem and commercialize craft infrastructure based on active engagement, innovation and services. Originality/value This paper fulfils an identified need to study how traditional craft-based enterprises can be enabled, revived, grown and sustained.

Challenges and opportunities for social entrepreneurs in civil engineering in Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesto Ferreira Vasconcellos ◽  
Bernardo Henrique Leso ◽  
Marcelo Nogueira Cortimiglia
Keyword(s):  
Civil Engineering ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Government

Purpose This paper aims to identify challenges and opportunities for social enterprises (SE) in civil engineering in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach Starting from the transformative social innovation theory and inspired by grounded theory principles, this paper conducts three-stage exploratory research. First, this paper mapped the Brazilian SE civil engineering ecosystem. Next, this paper classified the SE initiatives along with an organizing framework. Finally, this paper conducted 11 interviews with key ecosystem actors and analyzed data through iterative, parallel and interrelated content analysis procedures. Findings The 37 SE found were classified along “Sustainability,” “Housing,” “Transportation” and “Sanitation” pillars, which are aligned with the United Nations’ social development goals. This paper found 50 challenges and opportunities, which were aggregated along seven dimensions. Three elements are particularly relevant as opportunities: opportunities for SE with ecosystem supporters, specialized investors and partnership with major companies; while government and early investment are the most relevant challenges. Research limitations/implications Research findings and conclusions cannot be extended to other sectors and countries. Usual limitations associated with exploratory qualitative research must also be highlighted. Practical implications The government should offer financial and technical support for civil engineering in working in partnership with ecosystem supporters. Academy could use SE content and ecosystem for its students and should offer diverse resources for network creation. Originality/value Focusing on civil engineering SE in Brazil, this study sheds light on a high-impact sector that has not been studied yet.

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 Exploring the benefits of service productisation: support for business processes

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 85-105
Author(s):  
Janne Harkonen
Keyword(s):  
Service Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Characteristics ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Service Offering ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe study aims to explore the benefits of service productisation to provide further understanding on the productisation concept as support for business processes and service management. The concept has been deficiently discussed regardless of the potential significance to the whole formed by service products, business processes, information technology (IT), people and data.Design/methodology/approachIn the study, the exploratory empirical evidence is presented from 16 cases, 4 of which are from companies that are globally well-known.FindingsThe key findings of the paper include an overview of the benefits of service productisation and the relation to service offering, service processes and related resources. The concept links to the management of the whole formed by service products, business processes, IT, people and data. The noted benefits seem to be applicable to productisation of different service types, whilst some service characteristics may affect the specific emphasis.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations involve using secondary data, which, however, makes the cases less biased regarding the aims. Primary data are required to gain further insights into the phenomena and the identified benefits.Practical implicationsThe findings provide support for issues that are commonly discussed by practitioners on a concept that is less studied by the scientific literature. Practitioners can work towards organisational efficiency and effectiveness by understanding the benefits of productisation. Understanding service productisation can support the effective management of business processes and work towards prosperity in the service business.Originality/valueThe study is the first one to analyse the benefits of service productisation by exploring the issue through multiple cases and attempting to identify aspects for further attention by the academic community.

Managing conflicting objectives of social enterprises

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 431-451
Author(s):  
Philippe Eiselein ◽  
Nikolay A. Dentchev
Keyword(s):  
Iterative Process ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Levels Of Analysis ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conflicting Objectives ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Level Of Analysis

Purpose Most strategies for managing conflicts between social and commercial objectives of social enterprises are discussed either at the individual or at the team level of analysis. This paper aims to argue in favor of taking into account both levels of analysis at the same time. It furthermore aims to unravel how management strategies at the individual and the team level reinforce one another. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts the theoretical lenses of personal values (at the individual level of analysis) and stewardship (at the team level). The authors have conducted 23 semi-structured interviews across three Belgian social enterprises. Primary data collection was complemented with secondary data of 12 annual reports and 314 newspaper articles. The variety of cases and the richness of primary and secondary data proved useful to elaborate on the mechanisms of managing conflicting objectives. Findings This paper highlights four bridging mechanisms that facilitate the mitigation of conflict between social and commercial objectives, i.e. fit of values, agile structure, partnerships and communications. It also shows how these mechanisms reinforce each other at the individual and team levels of analysis and thus form an iterative process for managing the conflicting objectives of social entrepreneurs. Originality/value This paper contributes by bringing the level of analysis on managing conflicting objectives at the intersection of the individual and team performance. It argues that social entrepreneurs should target both individuals and teams at the same time, to manage effectively conflicting objectives. The four mechanisms create an alignment and reflection iterative process for managing conflicting objectives.

The role of business advisers in supporting social entrepreneurship

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Dalborg ◽  
Yvonne von Friedrichs
Keyword(s):  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Sustainable Business Models

Purpose In many regions, the potential of social entrepreneurship and social innovation are not fully used. The purpose of this study is to explore issues and challenges in the business advisory support offered to social entrepreneurs and, from this background, give suggestions on how the advisory process to social entrepreneurs could be modified to better gain society. Design/methodology/approach Representatives from 15 business advisory organisations in Sweden were interviewed to examine how their support to social enterprises meets the needs of the companies, and to discover possible problems encountered regarding the business advice available to social enterprises. Using thematic analysis, six different overarching themes were identified that characterise issues and challenges in the business advisory support offered to social enterprises. Findings The results show that many advisers lack experience in social entrepreneurship, yet they consider that social enterprises are not “genuine” entrepreneurs, and that they, therefore, refer them to advisers focussing on co-operative enterprises. Furthermore, the absence of sustainable business models, the lack of financial resources and the existence of municipal monopoly are identified by the advisers as challenges. Practical implications This paper reveals an Achilles’ heel in the business advisory support offered to social enterprises, namely, the lack of experience and knowledge of social entrepreneurship amongst current business advisers, as well as a prioritisation of advice to more “commercial” entrepreneurs because of policy instruments and the expectations from the public funders of increased profitability and growth in the companies that receive advice. The mainstream business advisory service could play a key role by bringing together the various stakeholders in this shared value process. This would, however, require increased knowledge and new government policies and directives that ensure that social entrepreneurs are prioritised in the business advisory situation. Originality/value This paper demonstrates that the current advisory system is not adapted to fit the needs of social enterprises. It also proposes the need to include participation and proximity in the business model design.

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.

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.

scholarly journals Exploring enabling resources for place-based social entrepreneurship: a participatory study of Green Care practices in Finland

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 437-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Moriggi
Keyword(s):  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Intangible Assets ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Economic Transformation ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Research Activities

Abstract Enabling resources are the array of tangible and intangible assets that social entrepreneurs mobilize or create to bring forward novel place-based initiatives, to respond to unmet sustainability challenges and ideally contribute to virtuous processes of socio-economic transformation. Understanding the role of resources in constraining or enabling the development of social enterprises holds important implications not merely for the initiatives, but also for the places where they are embedded. Existing studies fail to provide a comprehensive, empirically grounded account of resources for place-based social entrepreneurship. This paper aims to fill this gap, by exploring the array of resources that enable and constrain the development of Green Care practice, i.e., nature-based activities with a social innovation purpose. Three communities of Finnish practitioners—a nature-tourism company, a care farm, and a biodynamic farm—were involved over the span of 3 years in research activities conducted with an in-depth qualitative approach. Participants were engaged in several stages of iterative learning combining conventional and action-research methods: semi-structured interviews, participatory mapping, and a co-creation workshop. Results show that entrepreneurs resort to a great variety of enabling resources, inclusive of both tangible and intangible assets, that are only marginally considered by relevant literature. Based on these findings, the paper proposes a novel set of enabling resources, comprehensive of nine clusters: infrastructural, institutional, material, place-specific, organizational culture-related, social, ethical, affective, and competence-related. Two concluding insights can be inferred: understanding resources is paramount to grasp possibilities and challenges of place-based entrepreneurship; in-depth participatory processes are needed for a thorough and grounded investigation of enabling resources in places.

Clustering social enterprises: an empirically validated taxonomy

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 397-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Erpf ◽  
Rebecca Tekula ◽  
Julia Neuenschwander
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Item Scale

Purpose This study aims to develop an empirically validated taxonomy. Typologies of social entrepreneurship are primarily based on conceptual considerations and case studies. There is a need for quantitative approaches and empirical testing of this emerging organizational form and its characteristics. Design/methodology/approach First, an item scale was developed that emerged from frequently mentioned elements in social entrepreneurship literature. Next, social entrepreneurs rated these items. Finally, the authors conducted a cluster analysis to derive a taxonomy with three distinguishable types of social enterprises. Findings Based on a cluster analysis (N = 70), an empirically validated taxonomy is provided with three social enterprise types: social service providers, social change makers and social philanthropists. Practical implications Although this research has an exploratory character, it makes a clear contribution by complementing existing typologies, which tend to be conceptual in nature, with a taxonomy that is empirically grounded. This study defogs the blurry understanding and limited knowledge about different social enterprise forms and provides insight into meaningfully similar groups across the sector as a whole. Originality/value This article fills a void of empirically grounded taxonomies by analyzing which definitional aspects of social entrepreneurship literature correspond to the perceptions of social entrepreneurs regarding the nature of their organizations.

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