Operating as a Social Enterprise within Resource and Institutional Constraints

2019 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ismail ◽  
Brendon Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Organizational Capacity ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Organizational Models ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Main Research ◽  
External Conditions ◽  
Economic Constraints

Abstract This study explores questions around the abilities of social enterprises (SEs) to obtain market-based revenues in the context of a middle-income country with significant institutional and economic constraints (Egypt). Our main research question focuses on analyzing the reasons why SEs in this context are unable to obtain their desired level of market-based revenues. Through the analysis of 22 SEs with some degree of a mixed revenue model, we draw three major conclusions that contribute to both academic theory and SE practice: (a) the importance of investing in new cohorts of SE employees, (b) ways to increase SEs’ ability to respond to institutional barriers, and (c) the promotion of adaptive organizational models able to respond to changing external conditions. The study makes several contributions to the literature. Most importantly, it seeks to add findings to discussion around how SEs operate within constraints by providing real-life empirical data from a context that faces significant institutional and resource barriers. It adds to the current literature by offering insights on organizational capacity, institutions, legitimacy, and adaptability that can be applied to other countries with similar socio-economic contexts. Methodologically, it also makes an effort to move beyond biases of studying only successful SEs, to offer micro-level qualitative analysis of SEs, and to hear unique and potentially alternative perspectives to academic narratives rooted in concept and theory by better understanding how social entrepreneurs themselves perceive their own work and practices.

scholarly journals The bright side of social economy sector’s projectification: a study of successful social enterprises

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 5043
Author(s):  
Beata Jalocha ◽  
Ewa Bogacz-Wojtanowska
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Social Economy ◽  
Public Affairs ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Project Work ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Main Research ◽  
The Creation

In Europe, we are witnessing a growth in the social economy sector, i.e. in socio – economic organizations, which belong neither to the traditional for profit sector (market economy) nor to the public sector (government) (Deforuny, 2001; Young, 2007) - they rather act at the interface of civil society and markets (Jäger, 2010). The main goal of these organizations, called social enterprises or social business, is doing business for socially useful purposes. These initiatives may take the form of traditional Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), like foundations and associations, as well as new kinds of organizations for example social cooperatives, partnerships, funds.Social economy is situated between public and business sphere of administration and combines both, social objectives and the ones profit-oriented. Social entrepreneurship is unquestionably a desirable feature of social economy understood as reaching planned economic objectives with the use of available resources. Another feature comprises in using involvement and creativity of excluded persons and thus, solving social problems, among others, structural unemployment and disadvantage of social minorities as well as strengthening democratic processes, bottom-up social initiatives etc. Achieving objectives, both social and economic, requires using modern management instruments and methods.All of the above mentioned organizations or ventures, which achieve their local, social or ethical mission and goals using methods adopted from the business sector (Defourny, Hulgard, Pestoff, eds.2014). One of these methods is project management. The whole sector of social economy, both in Poland and in Europe, is strongly influenced by projectification process: a lot of the activities are performed in the form of projects. For last ten years projectification of social non-governmental sector as well as the economy sector in Poland was reinforced by EU’s funding stream – hundreds of co-funded projects, which aimed at increasing the level of development and improving the condition of social economy, were implemented. Some of these projects have resulted in the creation of durable, dynamically operating social enterprises, and some of them did not produce any long-term results. In case of successful projects, we can observe an unusual effect of projectification process: the creation of permanent structures, sustainable social economy organizations through the implementation of projects.Although we can identify examples of interesting research on impact of project work on NGOs (Brière, Proulx, Navaro, & Laporte, 2015); Golini, Kalchschmidt, Landoni, 2015) or critical success factors of non-governmental projects (Khang & Moe, 2008), there is a research gap which we would like to address in this paper: lack of research on project management best practices in social enterprises. Thus, the main research question we would like to investigate in the paper is: What are the factors that lead to creation of durable, permanent social economy enterprises from projects?This paper draws on set of qualitative data from broader research on social economy sector conducted in Poland in years 2011-2013 by researchers from the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA). For the purpose of this paper we have conducted multiple case study analysis and analysed 36 case studies of existing social enterprises. One of our research goals was to find out, which factors are critical in the process of creation durable social enterprises from projects. Also, we wanted to understand how projectification, influenced strongly by the EU policies, changes the landscape of social enterprises in Poland and helps them achieve success.

scholarly journals Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development: The Case of Social Enterprises in Azerbaijan

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazila Aliyeva
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Entrepreneurship Theory ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Business Acumen

The social entrepreneurship theory is still in the conceptualization phase, as each country has individual specifics and approaches to define social entrepreneurship initiatives. The main objective of this paper is to explore the characteristics and backgrounds of social entrepreneurship from Azerbaijan’s perspective, especially its importance in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. To fulfill the objective, there are a few main research questions defined: How do local social entrepreneurs use both business acumen and philanthropic principles to address social, cultural, and environmental challenges? How can Social Entrepreneurship contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals in Azerbaijan? A qualitative research method was used to gather data through a semi-structured questionnaire. It was found that local social enterprises change the structures and systems that create the conditions for poverty, and the development processes need to consider the link between social entrepreneurship and sustainable development. This paper has significant implications, especially for the stakeholders and policymakers. It indicates the current position of local social ventures about sustainable development and offers some global practices and experiences to improve and facilitate the process and attracts the attention of policymakers on the performance of social enterprises.

scholarly journals Business models for primary health care delivery in low and middle income countries: a scoping study of nine social entrepreneurs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lutfi Lokman ◽  
Teresa Chahine
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background: Social enterprises are organizations created to address social problems that use business models to sustain themselves financially. Social enterprises can help increase access to primary health care in low resource settings. Research on social enterprises in health care have focused either on high-income countries, or on secondary and tertiary care in low- and middle-income countries, where common business models include differential pricing to cross-subsidize low income populations. This is the first study to examine social enterprises providing primary health care in low- and middle-income countries using primary data. The purpose is to determine whether social enterprise is a viable model in this setting and to identify common patterns and characteristics that could inform the work of social entrepreneurs, funders, and researchers in this area.Methods: We identify social entrepreneurs working to deliver primary care in low- and middle-income countries who have been vetted by international organizations dedicated to supporting social entrepreneurship. Through in-depth interviews, we collect information on medical processes, business processes, social impact, and organizational impact according to the Battacharyya et al framework. We then conducted qualitative analysis to identify common patterns emerging within these four categories.Results: Common characteristics in the business models of primary health care social enterprises include flat rate rather than differential pricing; cross-subsidizing across services rather than patients. Subscription packages and in-house IT systems were utilized to generate revenue and increase reach through telemedicine, franchising, and mobile units. In some cases, alternate revenue streams are employed to help break even. About half of the social enterprises interviewed were for-profit, and about half non-profit. The majority faced challenges in engaging with the public sector. This is still a nascent field, with most organizations being under ten years old.Conclusions: Social enterprise has been demonstrated as a feasible model for providing primary care in low resource settings, with key characteristics differing from the previously commonly studied social enterprises in tertiary care. There are opportunities to complement existing public health systems, but most organizations face challenges in doing so. More research and attention is needed by researchers, governments and funders to support social entrepreneurs and avoid parallel systems.

scholarly journals Towards Responsible Rebellion: How Founders Deal with Challenges in Establishing and Governing Innovative Living Arrangements for Older People

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6235
Author(s):  
Katja M. Rusinovic ◽  
Marianne E. van Bochove ◽  
Suzanna Koops-Boelaars ◽  
Zsuzsu K.C.T. Tavy ◽  
Joost van Hoof
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Older People ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Supervisory Board ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Depth Interviews

In the Netherlands, there is an increasing need for collective forms of housing for older people. Such housing bridges the gap between the extremes of living in an institutionalised setting and remaining in their own house. The demand is related to the closure of many residential care homes and the need for social engagement with other residents. This study focuses on housing initiatives that offer innovative and alternative forms of independent living, which deviate from mainstream housing arrangements. It draws on recent literature on healthcare ‘rebels’ and further develops the concept of ‘rebellion’ in the context of housing. The main research question is how founders dealt with challenges of establishing and governing ‘rebellious’ innovative living arrangements for older people in the highly regulated context of housing and care in the Netherlands. Qualitative in-depth interviews with 17 founders (social entrepreneurs, directors and supervisory board members) were conducted. Founders encountered various obstacles that are often related to governmental and sectoral rules and regulations. Their stories demonstrate the opportunities and constraints of innovative entrepreneurship at the intersection of housing and care. The study concludes with the notion of ‘responsible rebellion’ and practical lessons about dealing with rules and regulations and creating supportive contexts.

scholarly journals Business models for primary health care delivery in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping study of nine social entrepreneurs

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lutfi Lokman ◽  
Teresa Chahine
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background Social enterprises are organizations created to address social problems that use business models to sustain themselves financially. Social enterprises can help increase access to primary health care in low resource settings. Research on social enterprises in health care have focused either on high-income countries, or on secondary and tertiary care in low- and middle-income countries, where common business models include differential pricing to cross-subsidize low income populations. This is the first study to examine social enterprises providing primary health care in low- and middle-income countries using primary data. The purpose is to determine whether social enterprise is a viable model in this setting and to identify common patterns and characteristics that could inform the work of social entrepreneurs, funders, and researchers in this area. Methods We identify social entrepreneurs working to deliver primary health care in low- and middle-income countries who have been vetted by international organizations dedicated to supporting social entrepreneurship. Through in-depth interviews, we collect information on medical processes, business processes, social impact, and organizational impact according to the Battacharyya et al. framework. We then conducted qualitative analysis to identify common patterns emerging within these four categories. Results Common characteristics in the business models of primary health care social enterprises include flat rate rather than differential pricing and cross-subsidizing across services rather than patients. Subscription packages and in-house IT systems were utilized to generate revenue and increase reach through telemedicine, franchising, and mobile units. In some cases, alternate revenue streams are employed to help break even. About half of the social enterprises interviewed were for-profit, and about half non-profit. The majority faced challenges in engaging with the public sector. This is still a nascent field, with most organizations being under 10 years old. Conclusions Social enterprise has been demonstrated as a feasible model for providing primary health care in low resource settings, with key characteristics differing from the previously commonly studied social enterprises in tertiary care. There are opportunities to complement existing public health systems, but most organizations face challenges in doing so. More research and attention is needed by researchers, governments and funders to support social entrepreneurs and avoid parallel systems.

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.

scholarly journals Drama in Education and Its Influence on Adolescents’ Empathy

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-85
Author(s):  
George Mardas ◽  
Kostas Magos
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Social Situation ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Drama In Education ◽  
Educational Drama ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Present Case Study

Drama in education can trigger feelings and provoke thoughts in the school classroom. Children are invited to use their minds and senses and get in touch with their emotions. The participants, who get engaged in such an endeavour, undergo a transformation by impersonating different characters, fictional or real-life and come up with a variety of solutions to problems in a fictional framework. Through this process the students’ empathy could be developed. The present case study using qualitative research techniques analyzes the outcome of a practical implementation through drama in a Greek Secondary School. The main research question was whether and to what extent educational drama can influence in a positive way middle adolescents’ empathy. The research findings showed that the use of drama supported the participants to realize the importance of a specific social situation, and helped them grasp the difference between cognitive and emotional empathy.

scholarly journals Contributions of social entrepreneurship to textile waste prevention in Romania

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-99
Author(s):  
Daniela Staicu
Keyword(s):  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Current System ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Waste Prevention ◽  
Textile Waste ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Prevention Measure ◽  
European Public ◽  
Private And Public

Abstract The current system for producing, distributing, and using clothing is putting pressure on resources, pollutes and degrades ecosystems. Nowadays, when disposed of, clothing still has at least 70% of its useful life left. A different approach to the way clothes are made, distributed and disposed of is needed. Prevention of textile waste is one angle to address these challenges and is being taken into consideration by the European public bodies. Reuse is increasingly recognized as a waste prevention measure, specifically addressed in 25 of the 33 waste prevention programs of European countries but national approaches to encourage reuse are, so far weak. Though in Romania it is estimated that textile waste will be produced mainly by households by 2025, knowledge about clothing reuse stakeholders and the mechanisms of exchange is scarce. Some activity is however developed by charities, acting as social enterprises. The primary goal of this research was to understand the role of social entrepreneurship in textile waste prevention by identifying clothing reuse practices and stakeholders in Bucharest, the Romanian city with the largest number of households in Romania (10% of the total of households). By gaining concrete knowledge related to the clothing reuse initiatives, in terms of number and characteristics, moving from identifying current clothing reuse practices and mechanisms of exchange to the type of stakeholders involved, either public or private, the research contributed to modeling the circular business ecosystem in Romania. The main research question concerned the degree of involvement of social enterprises in the development of clothing reuse activities, and therefore textile waste prevention. The findings revealed a high disproportion between the number of private and public clothing reuse initiatives, most of the activities being developed by charities which to some extent act as social enterprises. The results were intended to provide information to support decision-making bodies and communities in building up a functional clothing waste prevention plan through benefiting of existing knowledge from stakeholders in the field. These results also open the pathway to public-private dialogue for highlighting and scaling up existing textile waste prevention activities.

scholarly journals The routes of digitalization: A runaway city?

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-28
Author(s):  
Miodrag Ralevic ◽  
Tatjana Mrdjenovic ◽  
Ruzica Bozovic ◽  
Esad Muminovic
Keyword(s):  
Virtual World ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Virtual Space ◽  
Urban Systems ◽  
City Development ◽  
Main Research ◽  
On Line ◽  
The City ◽  
Being Moved

We live in informatics society in which we are slowly, but certainly, reaching new limits of digitalization mainly using communication between people through different ICT networks: mobile phones, Facebook, social networks, etc. Today, entire Earth, regions, cities, settlements, etc. can be observed through Google. Data bases of every living person is being formed using possibilities to ?track? every individual in space and time. Flows of financial capital are also being digitalized: individuals by using credit cards, on/line transactions, etc. and in banking systems global on-line transactions. Everyday goods such as food, clothing, etc. can be ordered through portals on the internet. Even various study courses and schools are being organized via internet. The real world (space, people, money, knowledge) are digitally being moved into virtual space. Here arises the question: To which space dimension is this process of digitalization taking us? This main research question will lead the paper discussion opening basic dilemmas: (1) Will real life slowly move to virtual world? (2) Is the dematerialization of spatial and urban systems reaching its limits? (3) Shall and what kind of usage we will have for virtual world? Especially in relation to city development, including the possibilities of estimating developmental options as well as in perceiving the effects of certain decisions in real life. The main goal of the paper is to give answers to above disposed questions as well as to prove the thesis that we have a great range of influence and possibilities on the new meaning of urban development that is transforming into digital sphere, claiming that we will not have a runaway digital city, but the opposite: the city which digitalization will give a new meaning and possibilities for its re/creation.

scholarly journals Business models for primary health care delivery in low and middle income countries: a scoping study of nine social entrepreneurs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lutfi Lokman ◽  
Teresa Chahine
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background Social entrepreneurship can help increase access to primary health care in low resource settings. Research on social enterprises in health have focused either on developing countries, or on secondary and tertiary care in low and middle income countries, where common business models include differential pricing to cross-subsidize low income populations. This is the first study to examine social enterprises providing primary health care in low and middle income countries using primary data. The purpose is to determine whether social enterprise is a viable model in this setting and to identify common patterns and characteristics that could inform the work of social entrepreneurs, funders, and researchers in this area. Methods We identify social entrepreneurs working to deliver primary care in low- and middle-income countries who have been vetted by international organizations dedicated to supporting social entrepreneurs. Through in-depth interviews, we collect information on medical processes, business processes, social impact and organizational impact according to the Battacharyya et al framework. We then conducted qualitative analysis to identify common patterns and themes emerging within these four categories. Results Distinguishing characteristics in the business models of primary care social enterprises include flat rate rather than differential pricing; cross-subsidizing across services rather than patients. Subscription packages and in-house IT systems were utilized to generate revenue and increase reach through telemedicine, franchising, and mobile units. In some cases, alternate revenue streams are employed to help break even. About half of the social enterprises interviewed were for-profit, and about half non-profit. The majority faced challenges in engaging with the public sector. This is still a nascent field, with most organizations being under ten years old. Conclusions Social enterprise has been demonstrated as a feasible model for providing primary care in low resource settings, with key characteristics differing from the previously commonly studied social enterprises in tertiary care. There are opportunities to complement existing public health systems, but most organizations face challenges in doing so. More research and attention is needed by researchers, governments and funders to support social entrepreneurs and avoid parallel systems.

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