Originally published as the International Journal of Social Economics Volume 33 Number 5/6, 2006
ISBN: 1 84544 988 6
Social enterprises – defined simply – are organizations seeking business solutions to social problems. They need to be distinguished from other socially-oriented organizations and initiatives that bring (sometimes significant) benefits to communities but which are not wanting or seeking to be “businesses”.
In this respect these latter organizations are more likely to remain dependent on gifts and grants rather than develop true paying customers. Sometimes the market for the products or services is individual consuming customers, people who are choosing their offerings in preference to those of rival organizations, which may or may not share the same social commitment. In other instances, there are just one or a few customers who offer the social business a commercial contract to deliver a service, often using public funds to do this.
Find out more about the management of social enterprises in this Special Issue.
Contents:
The diverse world of social enterprise: A collection of social enterprise stories
This paper profiles 11 different social enterprises from around the world. These range from a profit-achieving business in a very competitive industry, but one with strong social principles, through a profitable workers' co-operative to ones needing to find financial sustainability if they are to continue their social aspirations.
A framework for the governance of social enterprise
This paper aims to assess the appropriateness of two contrasting models of governance to organizations within the social enterprise sector. In order to achieve this aim the paper draws on theories of for-profit governance, particularly the stewardship model, and theories of non-profit governance, particularly the democratic model.
Corporate social responsibility: the 3C-SR model
This article aims to develop a model that bridges the gap between CSR definitions and strategy and offers guidance to managers on how to connect socially committed organisations with the growing numbers of ethically aware consumers to simultaneously achieve economic and social objectives.
Social entrepreneurship: a different model?
This paper is concerned with developing a framework which allows both economic and social entrepreneurship to be analysed. The framework is developed to accommodate the often neglected collective or pluralistic dimension of entrepreneurship. It draws on the behavioural approach to adopt a straightforward definition of social entrepreneurship – focusing on the creation of a social enterprise (co-operative, mutual or voluntary organisation).
Applying sustainability indicators to the social enterprise business model: The development and application of an indicator set for Newport Wastesavers, Wales
The purpose of this paper is to briefly assess social accounting methods and tools to measure business and social enterprise (SE) contributions to sustainability in relation to their usefulness and applicability to SEs. Using a case study example, the paper aims to describe and evaluate the process of developing and applying indicators to measure contributions to sustainability.
Social enterprise in the public sector. MetService: thinking beyond the weather
The purpose of this paper is to consider the role of government in fostering entrepreneurial activity and economic development, thereby balancing social and economic objectives.
Assessing sustainability of faith-based enterprises in Kenya
This paper is concerned with sustainable development (supporting profit-making enterprises as alternatives to providing relief efforts in developing countries) of faith-based enterprises in Kenya focusing on the question of measuring social enterprises as a strategy for the developing the sector.
About the International Journal of Social Economics
Increasing economic interaction, allied to the social and political changes evident in many parts of the world, has created a need for more sophisticated understanding of the social, political and cultural influences which govern our societies. The International Journal of Social Economics provides its readers with a unique forum for the exchange and sharing of information in this complex area. Philosophical discussions of research findings combine with commentary on international developments in social economics to make a genuinely valuable contribution to current understanding of the subject and the growth of new ideas.
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