Corporate Social Entrepreneurship (CSE) Model for the Construction Industry of Sri Lanka

Abstract

The construction industry is vital for Sri Lanka's economy and society, yet it poses environmental challenges with long-term impacts on both. To achieve social and economic development, sustainability is imperative. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is widely acknowledged as an effective method for organizations to adopt sustainability within business operations. However, implementing CSR comes with various challenges. To overcome these hurdles and enhance CSR's impact, Corporate Social Entrepreneurship (CSE) has emerged as an effective approach, integrating entrepreneurial principles and innovation into CSR practices. A qualitative study with 17 semi-structured interviews conducted to understand prevailing CSE practices among Sri Lanka's construction business organisations and to develop a conceptual CSE model. Data analysis was based on transcribing, coding and categorizing. Prevailing CSE practices in construction businesses can be classified into five categories as: attitudinal perspective, innovative business strategies, awareness and commitment, stakeholder engagement, and research and development. To bridge the existing gaps in CSE, the proposed conceptual CSE model emphasise the importance of top management commitment, organisation-wide initiative actions required and effective monitoring and regulating. This model aims to promote CSE initiatives within construction organisations addressing micro level issues. Macro environmental gaps impend the sustenance of this CSE model. Thus, further studies are proposed to research on mitigating macro environmental gaps.