A Case of Noor Arfa: The Corporate Social Entrepreneurship

Abstract

The pressures between the economy and community development increase corporate social responsibility activities, which are more than a strategy to improve a company's corporate image and reputation. Therefore, organizations must provide different options and approaches to increase their contribution to community engagement program. This study has investigated the societal contributions made by organization undertaking entrepreneurial activities. More specifically, this study examines how Corporate Social Entrepreneurship (CSE) can provide long-term societal contributions. The study consists of an intensive case study on Noor Arfa, a Corporate Social Entrepreneurial firm started by Terengganu Batik Industry, to address the social issue of youth unemployment in Terengganu. Noor Arfa hires unemployed young adults to provide them with work experience and training. The study conducted qualitative interviews with CEOs, supervisors and trainees at Noor Arfa and performed observations during one day at Noor Arfa. The study resulted in a proposed model for CSE derived from the empirical findings and entrepreneurship literature. Significant contributions are the critical presence of a business and a social dimension required to be aligned for CSE to provide long-term societal contribution successfully. The underlying factors that affect these dimensions are also presented as well as the values generated through CSE. Additionally, new insights are presented in terms of challenges and opportunities that face a Corporate Social Entrepreneurial organization.