Sustainable Social Business Research Articles

Waqf Business Model (WBM): Towards A Sustainable Social Business Model on The Mainstream Economics

The Waqf Business Model (WBM) represents an innovative and transformative approach to establishing a sustainable social business model within mainstream economics, rooted in Islamic economic principles. This paper explores the current state of waqf as an alternative model for social business, emphasizing its ability to combine social impact with long-term economic sustainability by preserving assets and generating ongoing revenue. It also advocates for integrating WBM into the mainstream economy to serve as a powerful mechanism for addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper highlights the challenges faced by traditional Islamic economic institutions, particularly waqf, which have struggled due to outdated management practices and a conceptual crisis regarding the role of waqf in modern economies. Revitalizing waqf institutions requires enhancing their capabilities and aligning them with contemporary business strategies. Additionally, this paper encourages future research to explore how WBM can be fully integrated into the existing economic ecosystem. In theory, WBM provides a framework for ethical and inclusive economies, while in practice, it has the potential to create self-sustaining institutions that reduce reliance on external aid, offering an innovative solution to global socio-economic challenges by blending sustainable innovation.

Strategies to Enhance Drivers Benefits and Establish an Intra-Corporate Social Business in Leading on-Demand Company (Ride Hailing)

Driven by social mission and mandate of government towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), one of the leading Indonesia ride-hailing company (INDOJEK) has launched and run a drivers’ welafe program named ProDrivers. The program is supposed to reducing drivers’ expenses. In this research, author attempts to crack the dilemma, specifically the ProDrivers program, to not only creating social impact, but also generating a sustainable social business that can provide unlimited resource to sustain INDOJEK social initiative to drivers. Author has used mixed-method in deploying this research, both qualitative and quantitative. Data collection was conducted to both drivers (as ProDrivers beneficiaries) and internal ProDrivers team (as strategist and executor of ProDrivers program), through survey, interview and focus group discussion (FGD). Using theories, such as 9 core elements of marketing and marketing mix (7Ps) which provide insight on how to improve ProDrivers program adoption, and internal marketing to understand to which extent ProDrivers program has delivered to drivers. Aside of it, author also uses some tools, such as New Wave of Marketing to facilitate marketing improvement. Revenue Model to find alternatives which ProDrivers can earn income and also Social Business Model Canvas to discover new business model

Sustainable Social Business: Contribution of Social Innovation and Civil Society

This work aims to identify the contribution of Social Innovation (SI) and Civil Society (CS) in the construction and development of Sustainable Social Businesses (SSB). In the first stage, a bibliometric analysis was conducted, tracking research from the last five years related to Social Innovation and the participation of Civil Society in Social Businesses. The CAPES Journals database was used, and based on the applied criteria, 53 articles from various sources were found. Subsequently, a Descriptive Bibliometric Review was carried out to gather preliminary data to identify the studies. This review considered the country of research application, the presence of SI, the participation of CS, and the type of Social Business. After identifying the cases studied in Brazil, totaling 4 articles, an Analytical Bibliometric Review of these studies was conducted to deepen the analysis and achieve the objective of this study. In this Analytical Review, the type and operation of SI, the level of CS involvement, and the identification of actors and the relevance of this link for business development were considered. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of SI for the continuation of development and profound changes in society. They also show that, like Business and Technological Innovation, SI is growing exponentially and is not limited to philanthropic activities but occupies spaces in significant economic activities. Regarding the achievement of the proposed objective, the results also show that the studied Social Businesses are intrinsically linked to SI and depend on the participation of CS, either as direct actors or as the target audience. This implies that these businesses rely on both these elements to exist and thrive. For future studies, it is relevant to measure the socio-environmental impacts generated by these Social Businesses in their surroundings and in society as a whole.

When technology leads social business: Food truck innovation

As restaurants and other non-essential businesses shut down to halt the spread of COVID-19, food-trucks adapted their business model, taking advantage of lower overheads and the ability to be mobile, to provide a response to the spike in demand for ready-made food. Set in France, this study identifies how food-trucks harnessed technology to support sustainable social business. We use triangulation to collect and analyse data from consumers and food-truck owners/managers on their perceptions of the value proposition and its limitations. Framed by the lockdown, we unpack the challenges faced by society and investigate ways in which food-trucks provide a sustainable alternative for eating out. We contribute to theory on social business and social innovation by acknowledging the socio-technical synergy existing in the specific context of food-trucks. The study acknowledges social equation as a key success element and validates the principles of social business in a new context.

Contract Farming towards Social Business: A New Paradigm

The current paper conceptualises an innovative, sustainable social business contract farming model by blending three essential business aspects, namely, relational norms, social capital, and social business dimensions. In the case of contract farming, evidence shows that the social aspect and social business-based contract farming model are over-sighted. This study offers an efficient social business contract farming model by, first, reviewing the conventional contract farming model and, secondly, by developing and proposing a robust, multidimensional model for contract farming. This proposed framework may have profound implications for the agriculture sector and may provide a strong sustainable contract farming management guideline for the global agriculture industry.

Interaction Between Social Business Sustainability and Consumer PurchaseDecision: Conceptual Framework

Due to the lack of research in social business sustainability development, it is necessary to investigate this problem, seeking community wellbeing. The goal of this paper is to elucidate the importance of sustainability development in relation to its different dimensions and the relationship between consumer perception and sustainability development. A systematic scientific literature analysis was performed. The results show that although sustainability is one of the main aspirations of companies, it is still difficult to achieve for effective transformation. The framework also reflects that sustainability is a particular change that has to be implemented over time, involving not only the business itself but also the surrounding environment (other systems). Furthermore, to achieve sustainable development it is essential to define which sustainability indicators will be selected, how they will be measured, and how the results will be tracked. A sustainable social business model must not be considered in isolation from its surrounding environment. Moreover, it is relevant to identify the public opinion, i.e., potential consumers, regarding effective sustainability development in order to get a more efficient result.

How a mobile app can become a catalyst for sustainable social business: The case of Too Good To Go

Information and communication technology (ICT) plays a vital role in sustaining social businesses. However, little is known about how a mobile app can be a catalyst for sustainable social business. Guided by the technology affordance theory and service-dominant (S-D) logic, the present study aims to address this research gap by examining both the perspectives of providers and users, using the Too Good To Go (TGTG) app – the largest social movement in Europe – as a case study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the congruence/gap between customer value proposition (CVP) and value-in-use (VIU). The findings highlight that social, functional, and emotional values are the success factors for the TGTG app to accomplish its social missions of reducing food waste and CO2 emissions and allowing everyone to access quality food at an affordable price. The theoretical and practical implications of this study and directions for future research are also presented.

Technological interventions in social business: Mapping current research and establishing future research agenda

Social businesses, despite having a huge potential to generate substantial and sustainable value, are often structurally and financially fragile. Technological interventions, such as social media analytics, big data, Internet of Things, and blockchain can help social businesses by leveraging the practices towards financial and operational sustainability. This study is the first of its kind in that it analyses existing scholarly works on social businesses using bibliometric analysis. In so doing, this paper presents an in-depth statistical analysis of the literature on technological interventions in sustainable social business, showcasing the development of the scholarship, major themes, and possible future research trajectories. The SCOPUS database is used to identify a large section of articles. The study shows that most of the work in social business has been done by scholars based in developed countries, with limited contributions emanating from developing countries. The study proposes a framework for the use of technology in sustainable social businesses with focus areas of research such as social innovation, digital technology, information systems, and decision making for sustainability. The results show that digital technologies are increasingly being accepted as tools for the sustainability and scalability of social businesses. The paper offers useful recommendations for future research in relevant fields.

Analysis of Educational Impact on Women Entrepreneurs in Sustainable Social Business: The Case of Azerbaijan

Education is one of the key factors that influences the definition of entrepreneurial women and helps to realize the potential and awareness of existing entrepreneurship characteristics in women. In today's developing world, it is important that companies and people’s approach are very careful in solving social problems. Entrepreneurship is thought to be the most effective tool in increasing its market share. Social business is one of the key solutions to global challenges such as poverty reduction, employment growth and social reintegration. This study, aimed at the sustainability of women entrepreneurs engaged in social activities in Azerbaijan, has examined the effect of education on how well informed women are and the main factors driving them to this field. For this purpose, the entrepreneurship and social management of women were examined theoretically and systematically. The role of education in women entrepreneurship and the effect of education levels and educational activities of women entrepreneurs in the field of social entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan were examined, as well. Finally, proposals were made on the basis of theory, world experience and analysis.

Sustainable social business management in supporter-led professional soccer club support organization: Case of Yamaga Supporter’s Association

Sustainable social business management in supporter-led professional soccer club support organization: Case of Yamaga Supporter’s Association

The Rise of the Social Business in Emerging Economies: A New Paradigm of Development

Social business has emerged as a sustainable and innovative means to solve emerging social problems. Although it is gaining momentum, there is a paucity of studies on the drivers of social business models and its key success factors. Drawing on a systematic literature review and an in-depth analysis of 31 social businesses in Bangladesh, the study presents eight key drivers and four success factors for a sustainable social business model. The findings show eight key drivers for social business models including customer centricity, quality, social needs, latent demands, incidental gains, innovation through partnerships, inspirations from initiatives and collaborative eco-systems. The findings also report four critical success factors including social goals, collaboration, simplicity and start from home. Overall, this study discusses the scope of developing and sustaining social business models for empowerment, quality of life and economic growth in emerging economies.

Macro-level enabling conditions for the formation of social business enterprises in the Philippines

Purpose A conducive and enabling environment is imperative for the formation of sustainable social business enterprises (SBEs). This paper aims to identify the macro-level enabling conditions necessary for SBE formation and to analyze them in the context of the Philippines, an emerging economy that is yet to be transformed into an inclusive one. Design/methodology/approach Major developments on micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, specifically on social enterprises, were revisited and analyzed. The author also looked into how they are sustained, supported and nurtured in the Philippines’ overall economic landscape. Extensive data were collected from relevant agencies in public and private sectors, after which they were analyzed parallel to existing academic literature, i.e. theories, models and concepts, on social entrepreneurship and development nexus. Findings It has been found that the four macro-level enabling conditions, namely, governance, socially inclusive economic approach, financial services and entrepreneurial culture, presumed to be vital for SBE formation, contribute to the latter at various levels, but surely complement each other in the process. Research limitations/implications The significance of exploring the context in which social enterprises are formed and flourish lies in the sheer importance of understanding the sustained prevalence of SBEs in many economies – both in developed and developing ones. Originality/value By having a more structured knowledge of the components surrounding SBE formation, the community may be able to also simultaneously explore why and how social entrepreneurs form profit-earning business entities that are primarily driven by social advocacies and goals.

Arizona Sonora Border Projects for Inclusion (ARSOBO), a US-Mexico NGO collaboration, develops a sustainable social business to train, employ and assist individuals with disabilities

Arizona Sonora Border Projects for Inclusion (ARSOBO), a US-Mexico NGO collaboration, develops a sustainable social business to train, employ and assist individuals with disabilities

An Interface Between Mental Health Systems and the Community: Italian Social Cooperatives

ABSTRACTFor more than two decades, Italian B-type social cooperatives have represented a sustainable social business model of working with disadvantaged people, especially the mentally disabled. The purpose of this article is to identify the major factors that make this business model successful. By drawing on his recent work of Italian social cooperatives, including a case study, the author explores organizational goals and repertoires as well as support structures and networks of those organizations. This study explores three major factors that account for the sustainability and growth of this model: good regulation; a supportive system of infrastructures; and democratic operational governance. These make the social cooperative an inspiring example of the outcomes that are possible when the mentally disabled are properly trained in a supportive environment. The social cooperative is a model that could well prove similarly successful if copied in other parts of the world.

Nursing education in Bangladesh: a social business model.

The aim of this project was to develop a quality nurse education programme in Bangladesh. A sustainable social business financial model was used. The project is a collaboration between Glasgow Caledonian University and the Grameen Health Care Trust. It contributes to the UN development agenda, eradication of poverty, sustainability and the development of global partnerships. There is an acute shortage of nurses in Bangladesh but many young women who wish to become nurses are unable to do so. Women are discriminated against, have few leadership opportunities and poverty affects large proportions of rural society. The collaboration between the University and the Trust provides the necessary input to ensure a quality nursing programme. A business plan was developed, competency-based teaching introduced, infrastructure and financial management processes were set-up and an evaluation framework was put in place. The systems evaluation framework monitors the financial status of the College and the effects of the programme on students. The social business model, providing access to educational loans, has enabled 118 students to graduate into employment. The College is currently on target to be financially sustainable by 2016. This project outlines a business model that tackles poverty, gender equality and contributes to the human resource deficit. Young women are equipped as change agents and leaders. The social business model provides a mechanism for releasing funds for education to those who are impoverished. It provides a viable option for increasing the number of well-educated nurse leaders in developing countries.

Sustainability of a Social Business: A Case Study on Grameen Danone Foods Limited

Achieving sustainability in the context of economic, social and environmental aspects has been one of the main focuses of modern times. The aim is to create the world that will facilitate the upcoming generations to lead a safe and sound life. Social business is a relatively new concept that assists in the creation of such a sustainable world by promoting and following the notion of “no-loss, no-dividend” business instead of conventional profit-maximizing business. The purpose of this paper is to show whether a social business can become a sustainable business and achieve the sustainable development goals set by United Nations. To scrutinize this theory of social business for sustainable development the author has selected Grameen-Danone Foods Limited (GDFL) as a case study. The endeavor of this paper is to elaborate the relationship between social business and sustainable development, describe GDFL as a social business and analyze the success (or failure) of GDFL as a sustainable social business. Finally, it tries to showcase a comparison of few of the sustainable development goals and the outcomes of the analysis of the business and social goals of GDFL. JEL Classifications: M 10

Integrated Self Help Group (I-SHG) - The Potential Maximized Through a Sustainable Social Business Model

For the of rural (poor) women, most of the developing nations, including India, have developed means through Self Help Groups. Kerala , being one of the states with most literacy rates, the SHG concept has been understood and replicated with rigour Such groups are provided with support and encouragement for setting up of a unit - mainly product oriented-limited to their expertise and interest sometimes exceeding to the level of gaining competence through training and development. At present most of these units are self-contained within the horizons of their competence and expertise. Improvements in their operations, business planning, innovating, finding newer and better markets, scientifically managing the business as a whole, all possesses great challenge. This becomes a mammoth task when the numbers of units are growing. Beyond women collectives men are forming SHGs as well and the task of micro managing theses units becomes nearly in-adequate and hence a better mechanism of sustainable development is thought of by creating platform to integrate various SHGs especially from the rural part of the state, but not limiting to it, with a large pool of MBA aspirants from various B-Schools. This collaboration when linked to a massive intellectual, practical and experienced resource of retired self- actualizes and industry experts could amplify the cooperative model. Innovative integration of management education to the grassroot level empowerment christened as I-SHG (Integrated Self Help Group) is an Online Portal-based working project aimed at collaboration, cooperation and coexistence of prevailing SHGs, MBA aspirants, academicians, practicing experts, inspired professionals, corporate entities, retired self actualizers, voluntary groups, financial institutions, regulatory bodies and the government both online and offline. This is an initiative mainly to connect the rural segment with the global paradigms resulting in a sustainable Social Business Model. The concept could be replicated in various management related situations where a collective problem solving is required.

The importance of creating a social business to produce low-cost hearing aids

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 280 million people worldwide have a bilateral hearing loss, mostly living in poor countries. Hearing loss causes heavy social burdens on individuals, families, communities and countries. However, due to the lack of accessibility and affordability, the vast majority of people in the world who need hearing aids do not have access to them. Low-income countries are thus pulled into a disability/poverty spiral. From this standpoint, the production of available, accessible and affordable hearing aids for the poorest populations of our planet should be one of the main issues in global hearing healthcare. Designing and producing a brand new low-cost hearing aid is the most effective option. Involving a large producer of hearing aids in the creation of a social business to solve the problem of access to affordable hearing aids is an essential step to reduce hearing disability on a large scale globally. Today’s technology allows for the creation of a “minimal design” product that does not exceed $100–$150, that can be further lowered when purchased in large quantities and dispensed with alternative models. It is conceivable that by making a sustainable social business, the low cost product could be sold with a cross-subsidy model in order to recover the overhead costs.Implications for RehabilitationSocial business is an economic model that has the potential to produce and distribute affordable hearing aids in low- and middle-income countries.Rehabilitation of hearing impaired children will be carried out in partnership with Sahic (Society of Assistance to Hearing Impaired Children) in Dhaka, Bangladesh and the ENT Department of Ospedale Burlo di Trieste, Dr. Eva Orzan.

Sweet, Sticky, and Sustainable Social Business

African forest-based beekeeping has a long tradition, has been practiced in Cameroon for centuries, and contributes on average to 52% of household incomes of beekeepers in the Adamaoua savannah and Northwest montane forests. Livelihoods, regulatory and policy framework, business environment, and forest management are intricately linked in the chain from beekeeper to consumer. However, it has not been a route out of poverty; despite support, the majority of beekeepers subsist on $2 a day. An energetic, innovative, and entrepreneurial group named Guiding Hope is leading a new wave of indigenous social entrepreneurs revitalizing the apiculture sector with the aim of improving this situation. The story of how they developed, the challenges faced, and how they have translated multidisciplinary scientific findings into action is recounted. The combination of participatory action research, a value chain approach, monitoring, and learning from traditional knowledge has lead to positive societal and ecological benefits that extend from Cameroon to an international level.