How social enterprises called benefit organisations fulfil the triple bottom line

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative multi-case study was to explore how the leaders of benefit organisations fulfil the triple bottom line (social, economic, and environmental missions) of social enterprises that were formed as benefit corporations, benefit LLCs (limited liability companies), and certified benefit corporations between 2010 and 2015 in Maryland and Virginia. The theoretical foundation used for this study was the triple bottom line (TBL) model. This research contributed to the existing body of knowledge by investigating the interdependence between the three components of the TBL. Thirteen top leaders of benefit organisations participated in this study. The data were collected from documentation, interviews, and questionnaires. The key findings of this study indicated that leaders of social enterprises used holistic thinking instead of paradoxical thinking to fulfil the TBL. These leaders developed internal and external collaboration and coordination to accomplish the triple missions. Finally, the data of this study revealed the synergistic interrelationships between these missions.