Framework For Social Enterprises Research Articles

The Law of Social Enterprises: Surveying a New Field of Research

Social enterprises are becoming increasingly popular across the globe. They are seen, particularly by younger generations, as an exceptionally promising organizational model. More recently, the idea to tackle social challenges with entrepreneurial means has also been met warmly by policymakers. However, the legal framework for social enterprises remains poorly developed and legal analysis of the subject matter in academia is only slowly gaining momentum. Against this background, this article outlines the multifaceted, real-world phenomenon of social enterprises in business practice and management research, whereby different patterns of thought in Europe on the one hand and in the United States on the other can be identified. It then introduces the (corporate) law of social enterprises, especially the development of new organizational forms, and takes stock of this gradually emerging field of research in Germany, Europe, and the United States. Furthermore, it addresses research perspectives and open questions in the new field of social enterprise law, highlighting, inter alia, that one should distinguish more strongly than before between different models of social enterprises and organizational forms when considering a new legislative creation.

Unleashing the power of organizational social capital: exploring the mediating role of social entrepreneurship orientation in social enterprises' performances

PurposeThis study investigates the influence of organizational social capital (OSC) on the social and economic performance of social enterprises (SEs) in Greece and the mediating role of social entrepreneurship orientation (SEO) in these relationships.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical framework was developed integrating resource-based theory, OSC theory and behavioral entrepreneurship theory. The data were collected from 345 Greek SEs and structural equation modeling (SEM) with bootstrap analysis was employed to estimate path coefficients.FindingsThis study shows that OSC positively impacts SEs’ social and economic performance, while SEO mediates only the relationship between OSC and SEs’ social performance. This research offers insights for scholars, practitioners and policymakers in social entrepreneurship by highlighting the significance of OSC and SEO.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on SEs by integrating resource-based theory, OSC theory and behavioral entrepreneurship theory, presenting a novel comprehensive theoretical framework for understanding SEs’ performances. Additionally, the study advances the understanding of SEO as a mediator in the relationship between OSC and SEs’ social and economic performance. The unique focus on the Greek context provides a valuable setting for examining the relationships among OSC, SEO and SEs’ performances.

Waqf institutions as a framework for social enterprises in Islam

This study aims to interconnect the concept of waqf and social entrepreneurship. Interconnection is viewed from social entrepreneurial capital, social entrepreneurial profit and social entrepreneurship model. The data were obtained from the results of previous studies and were analyzed using the content analysis method. The results of the study show that the waqf institution obtains financial capital of people’s funds. Financial capital will increase the impact of public trust as the social capital for waqf institutions. Waqf institutions as Nazhirs are human capital that are required to improve their skills and abilities, especially in business sector. The waqf institutions income from social entrepreneurs are distributed for operational costs, social programs and reinvestment of waqf assets. There was a transformation of waqf institution into a social company as a result of the social enterprises that were carried out.

A Conceptual Study on Establishing Social Enterprise Company with Institutional Theory Approach

This conceptual paper discussed on the importance of establishing Social Enterprise Companies with a Theoretical approach. Social Enterprises are becoming the new vehicle of business for many entrepreneurs who are combating to solve a social issues or problems. It is important for this enterprise to establish their organization by comprehending with relevant framework and theories. Therefore, this paper was prepared for social enterprises to understand how an institutional theory might be applicable for their social venture. The study reviews literatures and relevant social enterprise framework and three factors related to Institutional Theory. Lastly, recommendations for social entrepreneur on how a theory can help to navigate their social enterprises were provided to allow them position with the Covid-19 pandemic that has shaken the world. In addition recommendations are provided to United Nations (UN) to have a study on the true numbers of social enterprises that are available to support the social needs and problems collectively as one world. Moreover, recommendations for future researcher are included.

The Re-Enchantment of Collegiality as a Governance Practice for Social Enterprises

In this working paper, we explore the re-enchantment of collegiality as a deviating form of organizational governance practice that contradicts the predominant institutional logic of teleological organizational rationalization in a capitalist system. We seek to understand when and how collegiality governance practices can be integrated into an organizational context and develop a neo-collegial framework for social enterprises. Using an institutional theory approach, we couple a post-Weberian understanding of the collegiality concept with social entrepreneurship and organizational governance research. Derived from empirical investigations in two case organizations, we found that a re-enchantment of collegiality in a social enterprise context requires a certain set of collegiality governance enablers on the micro, meso, and macro level, that allow for a transcendence of traditional collegiality principles from the political and institutional sphere into the organizational context of social enterprises.

Aren't we all pursuing societal goals in our businesses? Defining “societal purpose” as pursued by social enterprises

AbstractSocial enterprises demonstrate how sustainability can be embedded into business. This often implies selecting a legal form and a business model dedicated to serving social and environmental (societal) objectives. Tailor‐made legal frameworks for social enterprises in European Union (EU) Member States require that the social enterprise include a “societal purpose” in its constitutional documents. These legal frameworks refer to “societal purpose” in a general way; the wording is similar but not identical. The EU Regulation on Social Impact Funds and the EU Procurement Directive contain provisions that relate to social enterprises and they also refer to “societal purpose,” although neither of them defines the term. Some EU countries have not (yet) adopted tailor‐made legislation. Their legislators have indicated that they struggle with demarcating the notion of “societal purpose". This article aims to support them as well as EU legislators by testing the concept of “societal purpose” in two ways. A doctrinal research was conducted in order to find a legal basis for explaining what “societal purpose” entails in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Netherlands. In the UK, the legal framework concerning the “Community Interest Company” was examined. In the Netherlands, which jurisdiction has not introduced a tailor‐made legal framework for social enterprises, the existing tax legal framework for organisations with a “public benefit purpose” was analysed in the evaluation. Second, an empirical study was conducted into the societal purpose of 400 randomly selected UK and Dutch social enterprises. The results were categorised, compared with each other, and evaluated on the basis of existing legal frameworks.

FUNCTIONS OF DISTANCE EDUCATION IN PROMOTING SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN RURAL AREAS OF PAKISTAN: TEACHERS’ AND STUDENTS’ BELIEFS

Social enterprise is an important idea to resolve many societal issues at micro and macro level. This global concept appeared to have a significant impact on the improvement of communities. Like other countries, Pakistan has also been depositing significant resources in framework of social enterprise to supplement community services. This paper therefore, examined the beliefs about the functions of distance education in promoting social enterprises in rural areas of Punjab. Total 360 students and 120 teachers (with rural background) from 06 universities were the sample of the study. The data were collected purposively using two separate questionnaires. Multilevel analyses were performed to measure the participants’ beliefs. It is obvious from the findings that distance education performed significantly to enhance the awareness of social enterprises in the rural setting. This awareness also demonstrates as social services and attempt to enhance social set-up of the rural residents.

Social Enterprise and Social Entrepreneurship: Conceptual Clarity and Implication in Nepalese Context

Purpose- The purpose of the paper is to communicate the concepts, focus and framework of social enterprise prevailing in international arena and recommend some of the research issue that can be contextualized in Nepalese setting for reaping growing importance of the issue.Design/Methodology/Approach- This paper is an analytic review, building on previous work.Findings- The varying definitions of social enterprise is found not an abnormal phenomenon as it differs according to author’s perception and context in which research is conducted. However, the generic ingredient of the concept of social enterprise is to create a positive and sustainable social impact which I believe is more powerful than promotional campaign and neuromanagement.Research limitation/Implication - The research paper helps to disseminate the diverse viewpoints on social entrepreneurship/ enterprise and provokes the need for open discourse on the topic among Nepalese academicians and business community.Originality/Value- The research paper has suggested some of the research issues and models in which future research on Nepalese perspective could be conducted.NCC JournalVol. 3, No. 1, 2018, page: 143-152

Developing open employment outcomes for people with an intellectual disability utilising a Social Enterprise Framework

Background: Workplace participation for people with ID is a major policy issue, with both economic and social imperatives. Policy reforms in Australia associated with the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) require new and innovative approaches to address these problems. Objective: This project was established to investigate how a Social Enterprise Framework could be used as a mechanism to transform supported employment services (Australian Disability Enterprises) into open employment settings that secure meaningful, rewarding, and sustainable employment for people with ID. Methods: A systematic literature review was undertaken, and a model of Social Enterprise was developed that would be inclusive of people with ID. The theoretical model was reviewed by industry experts and refined. Its practical application and feasibility was then tested through the implementation of an organisational audit and strategic planning exercise. This was designed to produce an enterprise model. Results: Social Enterprise is an umbrella term describing any organisation that focuses on social change. For people with ID, its essential features include an economically viable business, which provide the payment of 'a living wage', in a setting involving meaningful work that includes opportunities for the acquisition of socially valued skills and career development, as well as contributing to the person's opportunities for social relationships. Conclusion: Though a challenging undertaking, Social Enterprise provides a promising employment option for some people with ID, when such initiatives are driven from executive and senior personnel of an organisation.

Pathways to sector selection: A conceptual framework for social enterprises

As hybrid organizations with financial and social objectives, social enterprises must balance competing logics for governance, stakeholders, and outcomes when considering organizational design and structure. The existing legal landscape for organizations exacerbates this dilemma by forcing social enterprises to incorporate as either a nonprofit or for‐profit organization. This research examines the entity formation process for social enterprises by presenting sector choice as an interaction among four factors: equity financing, organizational lineage, human capital, and funding environment. Using a qualitative comparative case analysis, this research demonstrates that contingent factors drive sector choice when legal incentives and institutional pressures are unclear. For those choosing nonprofit forms, the status of the parent organization—the organizational lineage—is determinative. For those operating in the for‐profit context, human capital is predictive. The resulting conceptual framework contributes to existing organizational theory on hybrid organizations by presenting the sector selection process as independent of the motives or legal incentives typically associated with sector choice. This research concludes with a discussion on the advantages of delaying the formal sector declaration process.

THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF SOCIAL INNOVATION IN SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

The purpose of this paper is to study the implementation of social enterprise towards empowering the wellbeing of bottom 40 group (B40) in Malaysia. It provides an overview of the existing literature in this subject area and focuses on the ability of social innovation in empowering the B40 group. Thus, in order to elevate the B40 groups towards a middle-class society, three strategies were identified in the 11th Malaysia Plan (11th MP). One of the strategies is by developing community and social-based enterprises. As stated in 11th MP, a systematic approach shall be introduced to develop community and social enterprise based on the cooperative model to carry out activities for B40 groups in urban areas. By applying the principles of social innovation into the social enterprise framework, it can move social innovators towards sustainability and self-sufficiency. This conceptual paper contains definitions, concepts, and also the characteristics of building social enterprise in businesses with emphasis on social innovation. In addition, it also states the development of basic concepts, instruments, and dimensions in social innovation principles, and also discusses strategic and systematic plans for the B40 community. Results indicated that social innovation is important in empowering the B40 community through social enterprise and can give more impact to fulfill social needs in Malaysia.

Measuring and Reporting on Social Performance: From Numbers and Narratives to a Useful Reporting Framework for Social Enterprises

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the need for a framework for social enterprises to measure and report on social performance. Reviewing social reporting practice, and concepts central to financial reporting, this paper presents a framework for social performance reporting in the context of social enterprises. A Statement of Social Performance and is developed, through consideration of social reporting approaches, influences, and issues in third sector and private sector organisations. This Statement is applied in the context of an employment and training social enterprise, demonstrating its application in practice.

A quantitative critique of Kerlin’s macro-institutional social enterprise framework

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to provide the first large data-set regression analysis to test Kerlin’s (2013) macro-institutional social enterprise framework in relation to the country social enterprise models that flow from it. Kerlin (2013) offers a conceptual framework for country social enterprise models that allows countries to retain their unique understanding of social enterprise and better understand the factors influencing its development.Design/methodology/approach– This paper draws on the theory of historical institutionalism and multiple global datasets to test formal hypotheses on the relationship between macro-institutional factors and the size of the social enterprise sector across countries. Social enterprise data were obtained from the 2009 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor dataset. Hypotheses were tested using logistic hierarchical linear modeling.Findings– Results provide support for the framework at a significant level. Nearly half of the variance in the size of the social enterprise sector can be attributed to countries-level factors. We also find that the size of the social enterprise sector varies by economic competitiveness rank, size of the welfare state and collectivist cultural orientation.Research limitations/implications– The countries included in this study are not representative of the global landscape. Researchers are encouraged to test the framework with a more representative sample of countries, including those in the Global South.Practical implications– The paper includes implications for policy makers and researchers seeking to facilitate cross-regional dialogue, the transfer and support of social enterprises and research.Originality/value– This paper fulfills an identified need to advance the field of social enterprise by quantitatively testing established frameworks.

Market-Oriented Social Enterprises Employing People with Disabilities: A Participants’ Perspective

The paper focuses on the participants’ perspective of social enterprises, particularly those providing employment for a variety of handicapped populations. It argues that when dealing with such populations with the goal of integrating them into society, contrary to present policy and practice, a market orientation of the organizations employing them, provides, under certain circumstances and with certain populations, advantages and opportunities not awarded in nonprofits or public agencies. It bases the argument on two conceptual frameworks: (1) the social model of dealing with disabilities and (2) the strength-based practice in social work. When translated into the realm of work, both of these suggest that handicapped persons have capabilities to contribute to the economy, to society as well as to themselves, provided they are granted appropriate opportunities to do so. A market-oriented social enterprise framework, designed on the basis of the concept of ‘shared value’, can potentially provide such opportunities.

Enabling social enterprise through regulatory innovation: a case study from the United Kingdom

Social enterprise, broadly defined as the innovative use of resources to achieve social goals, is an expanding part of the global economy that has the potential to address pressing social problems ranging from education to health care. It is a growing component of what is often referred to as the third sector; the part of the economy that encompasses organizations that are neither governmental nor for-profit business institutions. Within the last two decades, governments have begun to take note of this trend and make policy changes to support the sustained emergence of these enterprises. One policy option that has recently emerged in Europe and the United States is the creation of a separate regulatory framework for social enterprises via new forms of legal organization. This article explores the effectiveness of one new type of social enterprise legal organization, the UK's Community Interest Company. By analysing data collected from the UK's National Survey of Third Sector Organisations in 2009, this article asks whether organizations operating as Community Interest Companies exhibit some of the characteristics that policy makers intended to foster when drafting the new legislation? Our findings suggest that the hypothesized relationship is positive in both these cases but the results of the analysis support only a positive relationship between community interest companies and prioritization of earned income. Community interest companies are more likely to rely on earned income for at least 50% of their funding than any other organizational form among third sector organizations.