The Heart of Social Enterprise

2015

Social enterprise is an 'emerging' research paradigm, yet it is not an entirely new phenomenon. There are calls from academics, policy makers and practitioners for greater understanding of the organisational models and business practices of social enterprises which this research thesis aims to contribute to. This thesis is based on a selection of my previously published research in the field of social enterprise. The eight publications selected have contributed to knowledge about both operational concepts and the theory building of social enterprise in the UK. My research in this subject area began in 2004 at a time when the concept of social enterprise was in its infancy. The fieldwork was conducted between 2004 and 2007. The publications based on the fieldwork span from 2006 to 2014. I begin this thesis with a contextual commentary on the field of research. The commentary charts theoretical conceptualisations of social enterprise. I map out how my research links to the bro...

The concept of social enterprise is gaining academic interest worldwide and is increasingly becoming an integral component of the mainstream economies of many countries, including the Unite Kingdom. Despite persistent interest from academics, the concept is relatively underdeveloped inherently complex and there are various aspects of social enterprise that remain largely under researched compared to conventional businesses. Given the advent of globalization and increased competition social enterprises are under pressure to provide more innovative solutions to social problems that society in the UK faces. Through a comprehensive literature review of social enterprises, this paper scrutinizes the evolution of these organizations as they adapt to changes in the environment in which they operates. The discussions show a cultural shift in the conceptualization and practice of social enterprises in the UK.

Action Learning: Research and Practice, 2017

European Business Review, 2016

Purpose This study aims to analyse the development of social enterprises in the UK, in the context of the increased need for creative solutions to ameliorate deprivation and deliver effective public services. Design/methodology/approach The investigation draws on a mixed method approach from a postal survey of 102 social enterprises complemented by detailed analysis of two selected cases and key informant interviews. Findings The results of the study show that there is a paradigm shift in the practice and conceptualisation of social enterprises in South Yorkshire, as they are increasingly taking a more corporate approach to achieve their outcomes. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to social enterprises in South Yorkshire, UK. Further comparative analysis in other regions and social contexts is required to explore if these results are widely applicable. Practical implications This study is of potential benefit to researchers and those involved in formulating poli...

Journal of Organisational Transformation & Social Change, 2017

The concept of social enterprise has been developed by an emerging and collective effort of scholars over the world. However, a comprehensive meaning of 'SE', which embeds traditional knowledge of organizational management has potential to be explored further. Due to the relevance of 'SE' in the contemporary society, new conceptual and practical insights are desirable. This study proposes to shed light on building up a definition for 'SE' that is inspired by existing definitions of organization and 'SE' and rely on real-world evidence. Literature review and comprehensive interviews with social entrepreneurs were conducted. Data analysis defines 'SEs' as an autonomous organization managed in a participative way and created by and for the community, with a relatively identifiable boundary, that strives to generate social wealth, and for this, produces goods and/or services that guarantee its financial viability, consequently, its continuity. Its integration into its environment generates consequences guided by social, economic, and environmental goals.

Social Enterprise Journal, 2007

2007

The objective of this note is to address the following four questions about social enterprises: 1. Why do we need social enterprises? 2. What differentiates social enterprises from economic enterprises? 3. How to accelerate the development of social enterprises worldwide? 4. What are the potential areas for research on social enterprises?

2011

Routledge eBooks, 2021