Growth Of Social Enterprises Research Articles

지속적 개선을 위한 통제시스템의 활용과 조직역량이 사회적기업의 성과에 미치는 영향

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to explore the use of control systems for continuous improvement and multidimensional organizational capabilities from a management accounting perspective as factors influencing the performance of social enterprises. [Methodology] This study conducted an empirical analysis based on survey data collected from social enterprises participating in the 2021 Social Progress Credit (SPC) program implemented by the Center for Social Value Enhancement Studies (CSES). To test the hypotheses, the study employed the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. [Findings] Firstly, the empirical analysis revealed that the use of control systems for continuous improvement does not directly impact the performance of social enterprises, while contributes to enhancing multidimensional organizational capabilities. Secondly, product and service competitiveness positively influenced both dimensions of performance. Marketing and cooperation capabilities were found to have a positive impact on economic performance, while stakeholder management capabilities positively influenced social performance. Lastly, the use of control systems was found to indirectly contribute to the performance in social enterprises via the mediating effects of organizational capabilities. [Implications] This study emphasizes the role of control systems and organizational capabilities in the qualitative growth of social enterprises, highlighting their importance for strengthening sustainability and independence.

TRANSFORMING MARGINALIZED SOCIETY: SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN TODAY’S MALAYSIAN BUSINESS LANDSCAPE

Social entrepreneurship is becoming more widely acknowledged as crucial in tackling the most urgent social, environmental, and economic issues in the world. While existing reports on social entrepreneurship in Malaysia provide a broad overview, they often fail to capture the nuanced and dynamic growth of social enterprises serving the autism spectrum disorder community, where practical innovations and focused initiatives drive meaningful progress and provide crucial support for individuals and families. A qualitative study approach, using multiple case studies, has been used to explore and understand the phenomenon of social entrepreneurship in Malaysia by choosing six founders of social companies based in Klang Valley, Malaysia, to participate in this study. Data collection would be a face-to-face interview. Using thematic analysis, the researcher can identify these organizations' unique challenges and the targeted initiatives driving meaningful progress and providing crucial support for individuals and families. subsequently developing strategies to enhance the impact and sustainability of social enterprises in Malaysia.

Estrategias de emprendedores sociales peruanos desde lo cognitivo y el entorno

This research aimed to identify the strategies that social entrepreneurs use to create and grow their businesses through the analysis of cognitive dimensions and environmental facilitators. Multiple case studies were conducted to explore representative social enterprises in Peru. The results showed that business desirability defines the management of the initial years of the business, driven by empathy and moral principles, while feasibility, guided by self-efficacy, enables more sustainable growth. Four strategies, 1) maintaining coherence, 2) balancing passion and reason, 3) self-learning, and 4) active collaboration, facilitate the growth of social enterprises.

Barriers to social enterprise growth in developing countries: proposition of a multilevel approach

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the hybridity of social enterprises (SEs) by examining the barriers to growth they face at the individual, organizational and institutional levels. Through this investigation, the study aims to contribute to our understanding of hybrid SEs and advance knowledge in the field.Design/methodology/approachThis exploratory study uses Gioia’s grounded theory method to analyze qualitative data from 16 interviews conducted with established SEs, dissolved SEs and consulting centers in Vietnam.FindingsSEs do have barriers to growth that distinguish them from traditional enterprises. Hybrids face barriers to growth at individual, organizational and institutional levels. This study offers a theoretical framework and provides the process model of SE barriers to growth. The SE growth process demonstrates the complex and dynamic interplay of specific components within two groups: organizational capacities and the SE ecosystem elements. This highlights the roles of various actors and institutions within the ecosystem in enhancing organizational capabilities and removing barriers to SE growth, extending knowledge of the SE, barriers to growth and the ecosystem literature.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper has two main limitations. First, it is an empirical research conducted in a specific context, so the results may not be universally applicable. Second, it has a qualitative approach, which has limitations in comparing differences among different groups, such as hybrids versus traditional enterprises. However, these limitations also open numerous possibilities for further research directions. For instance, future research could apply this theoretical framework to conduct surveys in diverse contexts and use quantitative analysis to further examine the model of hybrid constraints.Originality/valueThe findings of this paper contribute to a more holistic understanding of barriers to growth facing SEs, which is an under-researched topic in the Vietnamese context. This paper offers a theoretical framework of barriers and the process of growth, providing potential recommendations for practitioners seeking to support SEs in addressing their unique challenges, and suggests avenues for further research in this area.

Does the Social Enterprise Ecosystem Facilitate the Growth of Social Enterprises? An Extended Case Study of Taiwan, China

Does the Social Enterprise Ecosystem Facilitate the Growth of Social Enterprises? An Extended Case Study of Taiwan, China

Social enterprise growth by design: using design to incubate and accelerate social enterprises

PurposeThe paper aims to explore the roles and impact of design in incubating and accelerating social enterprises. It aims to understand design’s influence on social enterprise ecosystems and in improving outcomes for social enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe study used an exploratory, qualitative approach, using case studies and interviews. The comparative case-study methodology was applied to evaluate the influence of design on the development of social enterprises in the UK and South Korea and identify critical issues in their utilisation of design. Empirical data included: in-depth case studies of design utilisation practices (UK = 6; South Korea = 15) and design applications (UK = 2; South Korea = 2) for the growth of social enterprise and its ecosystem; 27 social enterprise/design experts (UK = 17; South Korea = 10); and 22 social enterprises (UK = 12; South Korea = 10). Content and thematic analysis were used to synthesise the findings.FindingsFindings demonstrate the differing influences of design on social enterprise, from improving products/services and business models to enhancing social enterprise ecosystem support and networks. Future directions are suggested for applying design for social enterprise growth, business stage development and systematising interactions between the social enterprise and design sectors.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on case studies from only two countries. Further, the adoption of working definitions of social enterprise in the countries may result in the research underestimating the heterogeneity of social enterprise.Practical implicationsThe findings contribute to optimising efficient ecosystem development to improve social enterprise competitiveness and innovation.Originality/valueThis paper establishes a research foundation on design for social enterprise, offering theoretical and practical insights into its impact on growth.

Impact of Personality Traits and Sustainability Orientation on Social Entrepreneurial Intentions among Engineering Graduates: A Test of the Big Five Personality Approach

The study intends to explore the relationship that exists between the big five personality traitsagreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, openness, and sustainability orientationand the intention of engineering students to engage in social entrepreneurship. The data were analyzed using SMART PLS software. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was distributed to 259 samples both in-person and online. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the impact of the big five personality traits and sustainability orientation on the intention to engage in social entrepreneurship.The reliability was assessed using Cronbach Alpha and Composite Reliability (CR), the multicollinearity was assessed using the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF), and the discriminant validity was assessed using the Fornell and Larcker criterion and the Hetero Trait-Mono Trait (HTMT) ratio. The study identified that social entrepreneurship intention is positively and significantly impacted by the proxies of the big five personality traits, including openness, agreeableness, extraversion, and sustainability orientation. The research indicates that graduates from engineering whohavea strong focus on sustainability orientation, alongside their personality traits, tend to demonstrate an elevated desire and intention to set up social enterprises. The findings of the study provide policymakers valuable insights into crafting targeted incentives for graduates, aimed at fostering the growth of social enterprises.

Understanding regional growth of social enterprises: the art of the state

PurposeThe paper examines the key driving factors behind the rapid and uneven growth of social enterprises in China based on Kerlin’s Macro-Institutional Social Enterprise (MISE) model of social enterprise development, with an emphasis on testing key local institutional factors.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts the quantitative method approach. The hypotheses have been tested based on a cross-regional empirical analysis with two national datasets on China.FindingsThis study shows that among the state, market and civil society, local government support in terms of favorable policies is the sole determinant factor driving China’s social enterprise growth. On the other hand, the market is irrelevant and local civil society impedes social enterprise growth. This demonstrates that the current growth model is the result of government intervention.Research limitations/implicationsThe datasets have a limited sample size. We suggest that future studies may collect a larger sample size with more comprehensive information. We think this study will encourage more comparative qualitative studies at the local level to reveal the underlying mechanisms of growth.Practical implicationsSince government policy is the determinant factor, the quality and quantity of government-backed incubation programs and platforms would matter the most for social enterprise growth. Our study also helps social entrepreneurs understand what factors matter when they try to develop social enterprises in China. They are advised to work on aspects of gaining legal legitimacy and political support in order to grow the sector.Social implicationsThis conclusion suggests that professionals and practitioners should review the implications of the current growth of social enterprises in China, in terms of their sustainability, given their institutional isolation from other sectors.Originality/valueCurrent studies have yet to thoroughly explore the role of meso- and micro-institutional factors in social enterprise development, especially in different contexts. With reference to Kerlin’s framework and the tri-sector model, this paper advances the understanding of social enterprise growth in China.

Does the Social Enterprise Ecosystem Facilitate the Growth of Social Enterprises? An Extended Case Study of Taiwan, China

Social enterprise (SE) ecosystems are a central concept in understanding the growth of SEs, yet existing research still needs to discuss the attributes of the ecosystems and their actual impacts on SEs. Based on an extended case study, this paper explores the actual impact of ecosystems on SEs in Taiwan, China. It is found that the SE ecosystem is not a dichotomous variable of “yes-no”, but of being “strong” or “weak”. Taiwan’s SE ecosystem has supportive conditions for SEs, such as favorable public policies, research institutes, and certification of SEs. However, due to deviations in implementing public policies and the lack of cross-sectoral cooperation between the government and other actors, Taiwan’s SE ecosystem is functionally “weak”. That is, the ecosystem needs to play a sufficient role in constructing the identity of SEs, providing legitimacy support, and linking resources. Under these circumstances, while maintaining the stability of their mission and core competencies, SEs appeal to themselves to gain internal and external legitimacy to achieve organizational growth. This finding reveals the complex relationship between SE ecosystems and the growth of SEs, and has implications for the construction of supportive SE ecosystems.

Unlocking the Factors That Motivate Social Entrepreneurs to Engage in Social Entrepreneurship Projects in Tanzania: A Qualitative Case Study

Social entrepreneurial ventures thrive on diverse motivations, evolving through stages. This research delved into the dynamic shifts in motivations guiding social entrepreneurs across projects and initiatives in Tanzania. Despite numerous attempts by scholars to study and theorize the motivations of social entrepreneurs, there remains a significant gap in understanding the primary focus of social entrepreneurs’ involvement in various social entrepreneurship projects. This research aimed to address this knowledge gap by exploring the motivations that drive social entrepreneurs in Tanzania to engage in social entrepreneurship ventures. The study specifically investigated the CHEMA and Gongali Model cases. The respondents consisted of 20 social entrepreneurs, with 9 from CHEMA and 11 from the Gongali Model. The findings highlight the influence of personal experiences and backgrounds in establishing innovative social enterprises, emphasizing the importance of achieving successful outcomes. The study suggests that social entrepreneurs are motivated not only by their individual needs and goals but also by the satisfaction derived from witnessing the positive impact of their work on others. Successful entrepreneurship, the study argues, requires a focus on effecting changes at both the macro and micro levels. When the intended purpose of social entrepreneurs is achieved, it serves as a significant indicator of success. The report delves deeper into how these findings influence the overall infrastructure and mindset of social entrepreneurs in Tanzania. This research introduces a novel motivational model and connects it with critical success characteristics in social innovation projects, contributing to the advancement of social entrepreneurship research. Additionally, it proposes fundamental innovations in governance and operations within the field of social entrepreneurship. From the organizational context perspective, the findings contribute to a better understanding of the factors that contribute to the formation and growth of social enterprises in Tanzania.

Intercultural transfer over the Atlantic in early 20th century – How the European cooperative banking system travelled to Quebec: the case of Desjardins Group

PurposeThis paper aims to study historical intercultural transfer by examining the case of the Mouvement Desjardins, a Quebec, Canada-based cooperative bank founded in 1900 by Alphonse Desjardins. The aim of the cooperative was to support the hitherto marginalized French–Canadian population and to initiate their economic and entrepreneurial activities.Design/methodology/approachThe authors focus on a historical single-case analysis. This conducts them to analyse primary data from letters exchanged between Alphonse Desjardins and European actors, as well as company documents of the Groupe Desjardins.FindingsThe intercultural transfer of the cooperative bank model and its implementation in North America as a successful, self-sustaining model is owing to recontextualization and strategic decisions of the social entrepreneur Alphonse Desjardins based on intensive written correspondence with European bank directors who promoted the cooperative system.Research limitations/implicationsThis research instigates an impulse to extend our knowledge of intercultural transfer by looking into other historical cases to provide validation or add subtleties to our understanding of intercultural transfer dynamics.Originality/valueThis paper expands the current understanding of intercultural transfer and its powerful influence, namely, how an implemented cooperative bank system can contribute through successful recontextualization to institutional change and societal improvements. It also provides new insights into the creation and growth of social enterprises based on shared values within communities and coordinated strategic intentions across communities.

Analysis of social entrepreneurship ecosystems in the international context

The article examines the ecosystem of social entrepreneurship, its players and identifies its types. The topics of ecosystem and ecosystems of social entrepreneurship are studied in various scientific and literary sources. It has been established, the ecosystem of social entrepreneurship has rarely been the subject of ecosystem studies. Based on the analysis of ecosystems in the international context, the main problems of the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ukraine have been identified. The social entrepreneurship ecosystem is a comprehensive tool for supporting social enterprises and social initiatives that aim to solve social problems and improve the quality of people’s lives. The ecosystem formula is a triangle that combines local government, community, and business into a coherent network to support and promote the growth of social enterprises. Ecosystem logic allows us to maintain the required level of innovation and not lose our position in the competitive market. Depending on the key players and elements, the social entrepreneurship ecosystem can be typed through certain components. 7 different types of social entrepreneurship ecosystem and their brief characteristics are presented in this article. In the study, we analysed ecosystems in four countries, including Ukraine. It is found that in the studied countries there is a significant number of types of social entrepreneurship ecosystems. Most social entrepreneurship ecosystems are present in the Netherlands — six types, of which the business ecosystem is the most powerful and efficient. Canada has the most developed ecosystems, and the financial ecosystem is a priority. There are five social entrepreneurship ecosystems in Malaysia, the same as Canada, but the priority is given to the state ecosystem. So, from the experience of these countries, to develop a powerful and effective ecosystem of social entrepreneurship in Ukraine, we must take the experience of government support from Malaysia, experience in financial initiatives from Canada and experience in creating collaborations between business, private sector, and social entrepreneurs from the Netherlands. The leaders in the development of the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ukraine are Ternopol and Vinnitsa, two regional centres. Obstacles to social entrepreneurship in Ukraine are lack of funding, low level of social awareness, lack of understanding on the part of society, imperfect legal regulation, and insufficient government support. It is determined that for the effective operation of the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in different countries of the world, there should be assistance from the State, business, and the public, as well as improving the conditions for their activities.

Analysis of Social Enterprise Policies in China and South Korea from a Comparative Research Perspective

There is a noticeable discrepancy in the advancement of social enterprises in China and South Korea. Compared to South Korea, social enterprise development in China is lagging behind. Most of the current research starts from the dual perspectives of the two countries, but there are a few studies that focus on the growth of social enterprises in South Korea and use this to reflect on Chinese social enterprises. In order to fill this gap, this study concentrates on the advantages of social enterprise development in South Korea, while looking at the development trend and prospects of social enterprises in China. This paper adopts the simple comparative analysis method and the four-dimensional progressive analysis method, and evaluates the progress of social enterprises in China and South Korea from the four dimensions of history, goal, structure, and performance by collecting relevant data in recent years. The research results show that South Korea has a long history of social enterprise policies. Innovation, market failure, and the maturity of the social environment are of great importance to the government, which also encourages the progress of social enterprises. In contrast, Chinas failure to formulate national policy actions has been attributed to a conservative government approach to innovation and weak market forces. Therefore, this paper draws on the experience of Korean social enterprises, provides suggestions for the improvement of Chinese social enterprises in terms of government policies and markets, opens up ideas for follow-up research, and provides a new research perspective.

Learning from failure, resource orchestration and social enterprise growth performance: the moderating role of failure normalization

Learning from failure, resource orchestration and social enterprise growth performance: the moderating role of failure normalization

A Study on Capacity of Rural Social Enterprise Needs to be Unlocked

Purpose: This article argues that social entrepreneurship can help rejuvenate rural towns by increasing long-term growth in the economy, reversing the degradation of public services, while bring people together. Based on a survey of the relevant academic and policy literature, the study constructs a computational basis that provides insight into how social enterprises may contribute to rural rejuvenation. Theoretical framework: In order to realize the potential of underpopulated social enterprise, we may need to move beyond conventional regulatory silo systems that classify economic growth, community cohesiveness, and public services as wholly separate and unrelated. With regards to government regulation, social enterprises can't just "grow up" and reap the benefits of economies of scale by themselves. Partnerships between groups of innovators or between socially-minded businesses and government agencies have the potential to create economies of scope through the sharing of resources and the pooling of expertise, all while fostering strong confidence relationships within communities through the use of identifiers and the integration of services. Design/methodology/approach: An extensive research design (Sayer, 1992) that includes three in-depth exploratory studies of social enterprises situated in rural regions has been pursued due to the paucity of prior research on the topic under study. This study used a mix of methods for gathering qualitative data. Findings: Based on our findings, we argue that social businesses can facilitate coordinated community action in response to issues. Additionally, these organisations' participation in and blending of market, redistribution, and reciprocity connections is shown in our findings, demonstrating their "constructive diversity." Research, Practical & Social implications: The company's products and services can be adapted to better meet the needs of those located in outlying areas. Many of the difficulties and requirements in rural regions may be turned into openings for the growth of social enterprises with the right kind of direction and assistance. Originality/Value: This study sheds light on the information gaps that, when filled, could help rural social entrepreneurs realize their full potential by clarifying the obstacles and openings they confront.

How to Realize the Blended Value of Social Enterprise Resource Integration?

In recent years, social enterprises have developed by leaps and bounds, involving more fields with a profound social impact in the sector of national non-governmental public welfare. However, the development of social enterprises in China is still in the initial stage, encountering the challenges such as legal legitimacy, moral legitimacy, and cognitive legitimacy. The purpose of this paper is to review the concept of social enterprises, analyze the implementation of the “New Citizen Plan” which is an activity of the Nandu Public Welfare, and the problems faced by the development of domestic social enterprises from the perspective of blended value and the triangular relationship of social enterprises. Finally, referring to the development models of social enterprises in other countries, this paper puts forward some suggestions for future development from the aspects of government and social enterprises. On the one hand, the government should optimize the environment, integrate resources, and provide normative legal support in a macro manner to promote the sustainable development of social enterprises in China. On the other hand, social enterprises should accurately identify the environment from a micro perspective and carry out precise positioning. Through in-depth cooperation and innovation, a win-win result for public welfare and commerce will be achieved, offering more ideas for the growth of social enterprises.

Challenges of Social Enterprises in Developing Country: Evidence from Nepal

This paper explores the challenges of social enterprises (SEs) in Nepal. The study is qualitative in nature and uses case studies, open-ended questionnaires and interviews of social entrepreneurs and experts. The Nepalese social enterprises are driven by social motives and social value creation rather than profit. They focus on bringing positive social impact. Absence of legal and other policies create confusions, thus poses challenges in sustaining social enterprises. Specific social enterprises promotion acts, financing policies, and business support services are some of the shortcomings for the sustainability and growth of social enterprises in Nepal. Comprehensive government policies and related regulations would be instrumental in promoting social enterprises in Nepal.

Social innovation: relationships with social and human capitals, entrepreneurial competencies and growth of social enterprises in a developing country context

PurposeThis study aims to examine capital and competency variables – human capital, social capital and personal entrepreneurial competencies – in relation to social innovation development and growth of social enterprises in a developing country with an emerging social enterprise sector: Thailand.Design/methodology/approachA hypothetical-deductive approach was adopted and a quantitative survey by questionnaire was applied to collect data from owners/top management of 103 social enterprises in Thailand. The data were used to test hypotheses and further analysed using partial least squares technique.FindingsThe results revealed that there were positive direct and indirect (mediating) relationships between human capital, social capital, personal entrepreneurial competencies and social innovation development and growth of Thai social enterprises. Skills and training were key determinants of human capital, whereas social interaction, trust, social identification and shared knowledge were key determinants of social capital which affected social innovation development. Goal orientation, information seeking, opportunity seeking, persuasion and self-confidence were key determinants of entrepreneurial competencies that also affected social innovation development. This study ultimately revealed the mediating effects of social innovation development on the relationships between capital and competency variables and the growth of social enterprises.Originality/valueThis study fills the research gap, from the theoretical perspective, by identifying capital and competency variables as well as their additional determinants that are divergent from previous literature, which can potentially influence the social innovation development of social enterprises, and where only limited research is evidenced. From an empirical perspective, this study attempts to investigate the associations between these variables and growth indicators in the context of social enterprises in a developing nation, where its sector is in its infancy. This study further helps to clarify the existence of the direct and indirect (mediating) effects of social innovation development in the context of the economic and social accomplishments of social enterprises.

Entrepreneurial Traits, Relational Capital, and Social Enterprise Performance: Regulatory Effects of Cognitive Legitimacy

Social enterprises, as a new form of organization where public welfare and business coexist, are gradually becoming an important power in innovating social governance. However, the development of social enterprises in China is still in its infancy. Social entrepreneurs have a profound impact on the growth of social enterprises and may bring advantages to the development of enterprises, while barriers to legitimacy commonly faced by social enterprises hinder the development of the enterprise to some extent. Social enterprise performance has always been a research focus in social entrepreneurship, on which many studies have been reported, while it is seldom investigated from the perspective of entrepreneurial traits. The research aims to clarify how entrepreneurial traits influence the growth of social enterprises in an institutional scenario. Taking 208 social enterprises in China as samples, the relationship among entrepreneurial traits, relational capital, cognitive legitimacy, and social enterprise performance was verified using SPSS 22.0 and methods including correlation analysis and regression analysis based on trait theory and relational capital theory. The results indicate that: (1) entrepreneurial traits exert a significant positive effect on both the economic and social performance of social enterprises; (2) relational capital plays a mediating effect between entrepreneurial traits and social enterprise performance; (3) cognitive legitimacy only positively regulates the relationship between relational capital and economic performance. The conclusions may enrich the theory of traits and provide new ideas allowing social enterprises to overcome the dilemma of resource constraints and improve their performance. Social entrepreneurs need to pay close attention to cultivating their entrepreneurial traits and actively establishing relational capital; governments should create an institutional environment conducive to social entrepreneurship, to promote improvement in social enterprise performance.

Research on the Lack of Public Policies in the Development of Social Enterprises in China

A social organization refers to an institution that uses the way of business operation to achieve its own social purpose and realize social functions. It can not only overcome the insufficiency of the social hematopoietic function of the general non-profit organization, but also emphasizes the social function more than the general enterprise companies that undertake social responsibilities. It can provide services to the society more simply and efficiently and deal with social problems. At the end of the twentieth century, after the successive failures of social resources and policies, society was also hit by international economic fluctuations. Some obstacles also began to emerge in the way businesses in the welfare countries of East and West Europe hoped to use social organizations to help deal with social problems. Without sustained funding, non-profit organizations were often unable to provide sustainable and efficient social services, and many were not even able to survive, resulting in a loss of corporate volunteerism. In this context, social enterprise emerged as the times require, which is a comprehensive institutional institution with dual characteristics of social and for-profit. The increasingly rich social development practice of social enterprises has also made public governance academia further realize the important role of social enterprises, which can effectively provide services to the government and handle public affairs. At the same time, in the current relatively complete system of social enterprise development, it will promote the growth of social enterprises through the corresponding public policy support system. In this context, it is necessary to study the phenomenon of institutional absence in the current social enterprise growth.