Social Enterprise Journal

Valuing entrepreneurship in the informal economy in Senegal : Table of Contents

C. Sara L. Minard — Sat Nov 28 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to provide a theoretical reflection on existing and emerging literature on social entrepreneurship as it applies to the developing country experience, and specifically to the informal economy in Senegal, West Africa. Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopts an exploratory, multi-disciplinary approach grounded in economic and social theory, including open-ended interviews and focus groups. The data are complemented by field observations and analysis. Findings – Socio-religious networks in West Africa like Mouridism, with its strong emphasis on work and giving of one's personal financial gains back to the Muslim brotherhood, has actually created a non-capitalist spirit of commerce, and to some degree entrepreneurialism, among Senegalese Mourids who are majority Wolof. Research limitations/implications – As an initial exploration into this topic, the paper lacks sufficient empirical data and therefore the research results may lack generalizability. Practical implications – The paper helps draw comparisons between what we know and what we do not know about social entrepreneurship in the informal economy, moving beyond the conventional neo-liberal notions of competitive markets to explore entrepreneurial activities at the “Bottom of the pyramid” that establish economic exchange value which is socially embedded. Originality/value – The paper seeks to address a perceived gap in the theoretical and empirical literature on the emerging phenomenon of social entrepreneurship. By analytically framing the debate on the role of markets in the social sector through a developing country lens, we are looking at social entrepreneurship as the intersection of embedded social and economic realities of the majority of workers who operate in the informal economy in Senegal.

Social enterprise: An international overview of its conceptual evolution and legal implementation : Table of Contents

Giulia Galera, Carlo Borzaga — Sat Nov 28 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the evolution of the social enterprise concept at an international level. It provides a comprehensive overview of the existing literature in this subject area and focuses on the legal implementation of social enterprises. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is an analytic review, building on previous work. Conclusions are on how the social enterprise concept has been legally implemented in a number of representative European countries. Findings – The lack of a common understanding of social enterprise should not be regarded as a limitation as such debate encourages a rethinking of the theoretical definition of enterprise and its legal structure. The legal recognition of social enterprise contributes to conceptual clarification in the countries concerned. Research limitations/implications – This is a conceptual discussion paper, which stimulates further research on the most interesting mechanisms and consistent models of social enterprise that are developing at an international level. Originality/value – The paper synthesises existing conceptual studies on social enterprise. It contributes to enrich the current debate on social enterprise and aids in focusing future research.

Autonomy and accountability in social services nonprofits: Japan and UK : Table of Contents

Rosario Laratta — Sat Nov 28 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe two recent investigations of social services nonprofits (SSNs) in Japan and UK shed light on the subject of autonomy in relation to accountability. Design/methodology/approach – This is effected through an exploration of questions such as: to what extent can we say that SSNs operate “autonomously” in Japan and UK? How do executives in these agencies perceive their own statutory organisation (SO)? To whom exactly are the SSNs accountable? What accountability mechanisms are in effect? How much time do these agencies spend on meeting the requirements of these accountability measures? Do SSN executives consider that accountability demands enhance or inhibit the ability of their organisation to fulfill its mission? Findings – A close relationship is found between the way in which executive directors view downward accountability demands (accountability to clients or society at large) and the way they perceive SOs. From the discussion of the findings, it became apparent that Japanese executives, who approached downward accountability from its external dimension (i.e. the community at large), appeared to experience a more positive relationship with SOs than their British counterparts, who approached downward accountability almost exclusively from its internal dimension (i.e. in terms of their organisation's users), resulting in their perception of statutory accountability demands as a positive or negative influence on their organisation's mission. Originality/value – This research makes an important contribution to the understanding of collaborative relations between government and nonprofits, as well as providing meaningful insights in the search for an alternative governance system for the provision of social services under a post welfare-state regime.

Societal entrepreneurs in the health sector: crossing the frontiers : Table of Contents

Malin Tillmar — Sat Nov 28 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore societal entrepreneurship in the turbulent health-care sector in a changing welfare state, Sweden. Empirically oriented questions about the businesses explored in this paper are: how do the entrepreneurs see combining “health-driven” and profit-driven enterprises? What mindset and strategies guide their enterprises? What organizatorial solutions are used? Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on two case-entrepreneurs, selected due to the author's perception of them as successful both as businesses and as societal change agents. The entrepreneurs have been interviewed by means of unstructured dialogues. Findings – Both entrepreneurs prove to be frontier crossing combiners in several dimensions; they unite ideological commitment with economically sound businesses, they bring together their medical professions and complementary methods of treatment, they combine bridge building with challenging and they reconcile part-time entrepreneurship with employment. Research limitations/implications – With regard to the long-term preconditions for societal entrepreneurship, it is concluded that these two entrepreneurial processes have traits of both opportunity- and self-exploitation. The long-term social sustainability of enterprises of this kind is an issue for further research. Originality/value – The paper goes beyond non-profit research by exploring societal entrepreneurship in the for-profit sector, with focus on entrepreneurship which crosses sectoral borders.

Monitoring profile shifts and differences among WISEs in Flanders : Table of Contents

Wim Van Opstal, Eva Deraedt, Caroline Gijselinckx — Sat Nov 28 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The sector of work integration social enterprises (WISEs) has grown considerably all across Europe during the last few decades. Unfortunately, many governments do not have a clear sight on the profile of WISEs they are supporting. The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed profile of WISEs in Flanders and identify shifts and differences within and between WISE work forms. Design/methodology/approach – Data are utilized from a newly designed monitoring instrument to capture the profile of WISEs in Flanders (Belgium). This paper discusses some methodological issues in using administrative data to monitor this sector, and present a profile at the enterprise level and at the worker level. Parametric and nonparametric tests are applied to assess the significance of profile shifts and differences within this sector. Findings – One of the dominant features of the analysis has been the identification of profound differences that can be observed between the work forms and the slighter differences that are observed within the work forms while comparing start-ups to their mature counterparts. Therefore, it might be concluded that the policy framework on the social insertion economy as it currently exists in Flanders has a strong regulative impact on the WISEs in Flanders. This impact translates itself through differences in the profile of enterprises, as well as differences in the profile of the target group workers they employ. Originality/value – A dataset combining administrative data are created to estimate enterprise and target group worker profiles in this sector. The discussion on methodological aspects involved contributes to the literature on monitoring this sector.