Social enterprise self-employment programs

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasheda L. Weaver
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Capital Investment ◽  
Investment Strategy ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Employment ◽  
Employment Programs

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce social enterprise self-employment programs (SEPs) as a two-dimensional human capital investment strategy that can potentially advance economic development. Design/methodology/approach SEPs are frequently utilized as a tool for increasing economic self-sufficiency in poor communities. Literature discussing the use of commercial enterprise SEPs to increase economic development highlights the potential for creatingthe similar programs geared toward creating social enterprises. Human capital theory is used to illustrate how social enterprise SEPs can foster human capital, a predictor of economic growth and development. Examples of existing social enterprise SEPs are discussed to highlight how they can be designed. Cases of human capital-oriented social enterprises are also used to outline different business forms social enterprise SEPs can help create. Findings This general review paper suggests that social enterprise SEPs can be a sound two-dimensional human capital investment strategy. It argues that social enterprise SEPs can train aspiring social entrepreneurs to create businesses than subsequently foster human capital in their local communities. Research limitations/implications This paper introduces the concept of social enterprise SEPs, opening up a new area of research for scholars to explore. Researchers should examine participant and organizational factors of existing social enterprise SEPs to assess their impact, as literature has linked them to success rates of commercial SEPs. Practical implications This paper emphasizes the need for SEPs to offer task-related training as opposed to general business training to prepare social entrepreneurs in effort to run successful social enterprises. Originality/value The concept of social enterprise SEPs is new, and literature pertaining to it is scarce. This paper introduces them as a tool for attending to community problems while equipping future generations of social entrepreneurs with the skills to create social enterprises.

Social enterprise in Rwanda: an overview

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 376-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene Remy Rwamigabo
Keyword(s):  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Anglo Saxon ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mutual Help ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Current Governance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the context, the concept and the main types of social enterprises in Rwanda, and to present its main institutional and contextual trajectories. Design/methodology/approachThe author carried out a literature review and interviews. Six categories were identified; each one is illustrated by one emblematic case. FindingsThe paper presents the evolution of economically oriented social organizations in Rwanda, mostly under the form of cooperatives and NGOs and with inspiration from traditional forms of mutual help. The context of emergence of social enterprise in Rwanda was shaped, among other factors, by Anglo-Saxon influence. Other factors include notably the aftermath of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi, the current governance prevailing in the country and the current entrepreneurships trends. The paper also underlines the absence of research on the subject in Rwanda. Six categories of social enterprises in Rwanda and their main features have been identified and analyzed, namely, NGOs, cooperatives, informal organizations, social entrepreneurs, public/private partnerships and companies carrying out social activities. Finally, the paper analyzes the institutional and contextual trajectories of social enterprise in Rwanda. Originality/valueThe paper explores and provides insights into the specificities and the current trends of social enterprise in Rwanda with a view to fostering further analysis for several research avenues.

The Bake Collective – making a delicious difference

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Zoha A. Karmali ◽  
Meena Galliara ◽  
Manjari Srivastava
Keyword(s):  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Start Up

Subject area Social Entrepreneurship. Study level/applicability This case study can be used on the module on introduction to social entrepreneurship for postgraduate students specializing in Social Entrepreneurship or Social Work. Case overview This case explores the difference between social entrepreneurship and idealism. It captures the journey of Charlene Vaz and Kavita Gonsalves, two passionate young women, who formed “The Bake Collective” (TBC). Kavita and Charlene are both full-time employees, who spend their weekends and evenings running TBC and through bake sells raise funds for supporting social causes. The women have been able to get a teacher hired for differently abled children, provide water purifiers to victims of the Nepal earthquake, furnish a classroom in a school for less privileged children and provide teaching material for schools in over 400 villages in the State of Maharashtra in India. The case highlights the power of volunteering for a cause that can result in developing a social enterprise. It helps to unfold the steps undertaken to kick-start the cause as well as the risks involved in the start-up stage. It also discusses the measures that can be taken to mitigate the risks in the start-up phase and the ways by which social entrepreneurs can scale and grow their programme. Expected learning outcomes From this case, students will learn about the factors that lead to the germination of a social enterprise and identify characteristics of social entrepreneurs. They will be able to understand critical factors required to sustain start-up enterprises. The case will also enable students to explore systems and processes that need to be designed to sustain the start-up phase. Further, the case will help students to brainstorm on growth strategies for social enterprises. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.

From nonprofit organization to social enterprise

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 1287-1306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunlei Wang ◽  
Zhaowen Duan ◽  
Larry Yu
Keyword(s):  
Nonprofit Organizations ◽  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Structuration Theory ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Social Entrepreneur ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social

Purpose This study aims to examine the development of a social enterprise in China’s tourism industry by analyzing the coevolution of the social entrepreneur and the social system. Design/methodology/approach Purposeful sampling was used to select 1kg.org as a single-case study. Semistructured in-depth interviews of three informants were conducted to obtain organization-specific insights. Interview data were analyzed following structuration theory. Secondary data and interviews of other social entrepreneurs and experts were used to support the findings. Research findings were validated using triangulation and member-checking methods. Findings Because of the institutional environment, most nonprofit organizations in China do not have resource independence and clear legal identity. Meanwhile, social enterprise has emerged as a new organizational form with the objective of creating social value through profitable business operations. Practical implications Social enterprise is still in its infancy in China, particularly in the tourism field. This study reveals an innovative and sustainable model for nonprofit organizations in China facing institutional challenges and competitive funding environments. It provides recommendations to policymakers for improving mechanisms to increase social services through social enterprises. Originality/value This study proposes a new conceptual framework for studying social entrepreneurship by adapting structuration theory to address contemporary social and business issues.

Social enterprise in Antebellum America: the case of Nashoba (1824-1829)

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick J. Murphy ◽  
Jack Smothers ◽  
Milorad M. Novicevic ◽  
John H. Humphreys ◽  
Foster B. Roberts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Moral Conviction ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Usa

Purpose This paper examines the case of Nashoba, a Tennessee-based social enterprise founded in 1824 by Scottish immigrant Frances Wright. The Nashoba venture intended to diminish the institution of slavery in the USA through entrepreneurial activity over its five years of operation. Design/methodology/approach This study methodology entailed mining primary source data from Wright’s letters; communications with her cofounders and contemporaries; and documentations of enterprise operations. The authors examined these data using social enterprise theory with a focus on personal identity and time-laden empirical aspects not captured by traditional methodologies. Findings The social enterprise concept of a single, self-sustaining model generating more than one denomination of value in a blended form has a deeper history than the literature acknowledges. As an entrepreneur, Wright made strategic decisions in a context of supply-side and demand-side threats to the venture. The social enterprise engaged injustice by going beyond market and state contexts to generate impact in the realms of institutions and non-excludable public goods. Research limitations/implications This study generates two formal implications for the development of new research questions in social enterprise studies. The first implication addresses the relation between social entrepreneurs and their constituencies. The second implication pertains to the effects of macro-level education, awareness and politics on social enterprise performance and impact. The implications herald new insights in social enterprise, such as the limits of moral conviction and the importance of social disruption. Originality/value This paper broadens the current understanding of how social enterprises redress unjust and unethical institutions. It also contributes new insights into social enterprise launch and growth based on shared values within communities and coordinated strategic intentions across communities.

scholarly journals Assessing the value dimensions of social enterprise networks

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 734-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Luisa Granados ◽  
Ana Magdalena Rivera
Keyword(s):  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Immature Stage ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Enterprise Networks ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Despite the importance gained by social enterprises (SEs) and the increased number of social enterprise networks (SENs) in the UK, there is a paucity of research into the role of these networks in enhancing the sector and creating value. The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence assessing this value. Design/methodology/approach The assessment and insights were derived through a concurrent mixed method data collection strategy with 241 responses from members of SEs in the UK. Findings In terms of frequency, the use of SENs is still sporadic, denoting an immature stage of network lifecycle development. Moreover, it was identified that usage was affected primarily by the perceived usefulness of the information available. The ultimate value created was primarily of an informative nature rather than knowledge exchange. Practical implications A framework is developed describing the structure, content and interaction dimensions of value of SENs. The understanding of this value offers opportunities to shape government interventions and current practices of SENs in assisting SEs and providing an active, knowledge sharing community. Originality/value By exploring the value perceived by social entrepreneurs of being part of an SEN, the paper considered an under-researched area of SE literature that can maximised the impact of the sector.

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.

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.

Exploring social enterprise leadership development through phenomenological analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-288
Author(s):  
Emerald Jay D. Ilac
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Developmental Process ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Development Model ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Leadership Emergence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to construct a theorized leadership development model for social enterprises based on the experiences of its current leaders, highlighting what are inherently imperative processes and competencies future leaders should hold.Design/methodology/approachUsing the epistemological lens of phenomenological analysis, it focuses on the developmental process elements for the social enterprise leader, between the individual and the environment, and the individual and the community. To formulate the model, multiple data collection methods were utilized.FindingsAnalyzing multiple experiences of different social enterprise leaders formed a suggested processual leadership development model, which discovers fundamental elements and skills necessary in their development.Research limitations/implicationsFindings provide a foundational basis in the continued development of social entrepreneurs as rooted in the unique experiences of current social enterprise leaders. A limitation worth noting is the contextual distinctiveness of experiences that may shape the leadership experience.Practical implicationsFindings provide a baseline theorized framework on the critical facets of leadership development for social enterprise. Pragmatically, this functions as a competency framework that can be transformed into concrete learning activities and training sessions.Originality/valueThis paper provides perspective into social enterprise leadership emergence. It underscores the processes involved in comprehending how these leaders evolve through interpreting context, understanding their value and creating awareness with and through others.

Social enterprises in Palestine: a critical analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 510-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Devi Akella ◽  
Niveen Eid
Keyword(s):  
Community Development ◽  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Critical Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Mission

PurposeThis paper aims to critically examine the concept of social enterprises in Palestine. It uses the lens of institutional theory to understand how the political and economic context of the society can influence certain types of entrepreneurial behaviors and be responsible for the emergence of social enterprises. The paper uses a critical perspective to deconstruct social enterprises in Palestine to shed light on reasons for their emergence, motives and agendas.Design/methodology/approachA case study design was used to examine the phenomenon of social enterprises. The case study method is valuable in describing the how and why issues of a phenomenon in the present time frame. Two leading social enterprises operating within the Palestinian region were identified. The two enterprises were contacted for a series of interviews (over a period of few months) with their owners and other active members.FindingsThe empirical findings suggest that social enterprise model is still in its embryonic stages in Palestine. Their social mission of community development and sustainability is not completely sincere. The social entrepreneurs were willing to compromise social mission for economic surplus. The national structure, political framework, legal environment, social, cultural and the economic conditions of Palestine have served as suitable launching pads for social enterprises with not so authentic mission of serving the society. It has encouraged entrepreneurial philosophy and behavior, which has masked hidden economic and political agendas with exterior goals of social welfare and community development.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper adopts a critical perspective and a qualitative methodology, and this raises the concern if the arguments pertaining to social enterprise raised in this paper can sustain in a developed nation with a stabilized political scenario or whether this alternative ideology is only relevant to underdeveloped countries with unstable, political conditions, such as Palestine.Practical implicationsThis paper provides relevant information for students, critical academics and policymakers.Social implicationsThe paper argues for a more concise definition for the model of social enterprises. It argues for clear legal guidelines which could monitor the formation of social enterprises in Palestine.Originality/valueThis paper provides an alternative perspective on social enterprises within a constrained and political unstable economy of Palestine.

Between solidarism and business management: assessing management factors for social enterprise: a survey in Italy

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Linzalone ◽  
Antonio Lerro
Keyword(s):  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Business Management ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Management Model ◽  
Competitive Growth ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Collective Interest ◽  
South Italy ◽  
The Social

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to investigate the management dimensions and factors of social enterprise, in order to identify valuable management innovation challenges. Given the deep social changes occurring, and strong public spending reviews, social enterprises are called to a shift from a traditional management model based on solidarity to a business oriented one. Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on a survey administered to 344 enterprises, based in five regions of south Italy, with a response of 67 social enterprises. After a first round of six open interviews administered to social entrepreneurs, a closed questionnaire was designed and administered through web survey tools to the 344. Findings – The paper investigates social enterprises, with particular regard to the social cooperatives, identifying and assessing the management dimensions and factors constituting their management model. The analysis reveals and addresses management challenges helpful in driving a competitive growth of social enterprises. Originality/value – The paper explores a sector slightly investigated by management literature, and usually focused by the social literature. Collective interest, social value, mutualism, solidarity appear to be gaps in today's management models, contributing to financial crisis, employment crisis, social emergencies. Social enterprise may represent a new management model, revealing dimensions and factors of interest for a new business management, until it is supported with a more business management oriented model.

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