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1 – 10 of over 176000The aim of this paper is to determine the criteria for a solid impact evaluation in social entrepreneurship. The solid impact evaluation method is needed for building the bridge…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to determine the criteria for a solid impact evaluation in social entrepreneurship. The solid impact evaluation method is needed for building the bridge between two separate discourses of social entrepreneurship: the discourses of protectionists of social entrepreneurship, who believe without empirical proof that social enterprises are effective and the opponents or doubters in social entrepreneurship, who need empirical proof of the effectiveness of social enterprises.
Design/methodology/approach
The criteria for a solid impact evaluation discourse of social entrepreneurship are determined and its impact evaluation is analysed based on literature.
Findings
A solid social impact evaluation method should be able to analyse: the social impact of the organisation and not only the financial allocation and outcome; differences in the impact of two organisations which are operating in the same field; and the selection of target group and analysis of all the impacts of the activities.
Research limitations/implications
The list of criteria for a solid impact evaluation might not be complete as it is based on literature review only. As there is a considerable gap between the discourse of protectionists and opponents of social entrepreneurship, additional analyses are required to analyse the discourse of practitioners of social entrepreneurship.
Practical implications
The current study could be used for practitioners as well as for politicians while preparation for the negotiations with the representatives with other sectors as it brings out some of the common topics that are misunderstood by different parties.
Originality/value
This paper takes the first step toward a construction of a solid impact evaluation model. Evaluating the social impact of social enterprises with a solid model could bring closer the discourses of social enterprises used by protectionists and opponents of social entrepreneurship.
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Nusrat Hafiz, Md. Fazla Mohiuddin, Ahmad Shaharudin Abdul Latiff, Ida Md. Yasin, Sazali Abd Wahab and Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff
Although scaling is considered a “hot topic”, very little is known about how knowledge management (KM) assists in scaling social impact. To fill this gap, the authors draw on…
Abstract
Purpose
Although scaling is considered a “hot topic”, very little is known about how knowledge management (KM) assists in scaling social impact. To fill this gap, the authors draw on knowledge-based and social capital theories and investigate how various KM practices and external networks (e.g. bridging social capital) affect scaling social impact in developing countries.
Design/methodology/approach
Applying structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS version 23, the authors conducted a survey with 354 women leaders who are working in women-led social enterprises in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Findings
The authors found that knowledge codification, training and mentoring, and bridging social capital are positively and significantly associated with scaling social impact.
Originality/value
This is one of the pioneering study that explore how KM impacts scaling social impact for women-led social enterprises in the context of a developing country. The authors also extend knowledge-based theory by applying it at the individual level. Finally, the authors enhance the understanding of women entrepreneurship by showing that women entrepreneurs in developing countries are also utilizing bridging social capital to overcome challenges associated with scaling social impact.
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Md. Fazla Mohiuddin and Ida Md Yasin
The purpose of this paper is to inform scholars and practitioners about the current body of knowledge on the role of social capital in scaling social impact since these concepts…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to inform scholars and practitioners about the current body of knowledge on the role of social capital in scaling social impact since these concepts are still poorly understood and literature is fragmented despite their importance.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review of 27 highly relevant studies in leading journals is conducted, and the results are synthesized into an integrative theoretical framework.
Findings
The framework identifies possible dependent, independent, mediating and moderating variables which conceptualize the role of social capital in scaling social impact.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to systematically map social capital’s role in scaling social impact literature with the help of an integrative theoretical framework. For researchers, this framework would help by providing a shared frame of reference to conceptualize the role of social capital in scaling social impact and identify future research directions. Practitioners can use the findings of this review as a guide while designing and implementing scaling social impact programs.
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Judith Cavazos-Arroyo and Rogelio Puente-Diaz
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of structural and relational network capabilities on trust, and its effect on pricing and selling capabilities, as well as their…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of structural and relational network capabilities on trust, and its effect on pricing and selling capabilities, as well as their influence on the enterprise social impact.
Design/methodology/approach
An explanatory and cross-sectional design was conducted, and 100 managers of Mexican social enterprises were surveyed.
Findings
Network structural capability did not affect trust, nevertheless network relational capability did. Likewise, trust influenced pricing and selling capabilities, and these affected the enterprise social impact.
Research limitations/implications
Although a sufficient number of entrepreneurs participated by responding to the survey, the results cannot be generalized to all social enterprises in Mexico.
Practical implications
Social enterprises should capitalize on the development of network relational capability and network structural capability because it facilitates access to scarce resources and positioning of the enterprise to act more actively as an agent of change in its network.
Social implications
This research identifies the relevance for social enterprises to develop and capitalize on networking and marketing capabilities in their management routines and activities, as this can significantly enhance their social impact.
Originality/value
The main research contributions revealed the importance of dynamic capabilities and their effects on the impact of social enterprises.
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Kate Ruff, Pier-Luc Nappert and Cameron Graham
This paper aims to understand how social finance and impact measurement experts include stakeholders' voices in valuations of social and environmental impact.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to understand how social finance and impact measurement experts include stakeholders' voices in valuations of social and environmental impact.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper used the content analysis of an online discussion forum where experts discussed impact valuation approaches.
Findings
Many experts seek impact valuations that take into account the experiences of those whose lives are most affected. Ideally, these accounts need to be emic to (in the language of) those stakeholders, and polyvocal (representing many different stakeholders' voices). However, these experts also seek to effect systemic change by encouraging mainstream financial markets to use social and environmental valuations in their decision-making. These experts consider full plurality too complex to be useable by financial markets, so the experts argue in favor of etic valuations (stated in the language of investors), to appeal to mainstream finance, while endeavoring nonetheless to represent multiple stakeholders' voices. The authors identify two discursive strategies used to resolve this tension: effacing of differences between diverse stakeholders, and overstating the universality of money as a common language.
Social implications
The terms emic and polyvocal provide experts with nuanced ways to understand “stakeholder voice.” The authors hope these nuances inspire new insights and strategies and help the community with their goal of bridging to mainstream finance.
Originality/value
The paper presents a theoretical framework for describing plurality in impact valuations and examines the challenges of bridging from social finance, which seeks to give voice and representation to those whose lives are most affected, to mainstream finance.
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Erica Hevellin da Silva Siqueira, Adriana Bin and Rachel Cavalcanti Stefanuto
The purpose of this study is to characterize output and impact evaluation initiatives from the perspective of entrepreneurs and investors of social enterprises (SE) by…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to characterize output and impact evaluation initiatives from the perspective of entrepreneurs and investors of social enterprises (SE) by highlighting their relevance, implementation processes and consequences.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a qualitative approach through a multiple case study. This study also analyzed ten SE in five areas and three investors, using semi-structured interviews, codification and content analysis.
Findings
Evaluation is still at an initial stage in these businesses, and there is a gap between what the field-specific literature proposes and what firms do. Although entrepreneurs feel that evaluation is essential to demonstrate their value and confirm their purpose and impact, it is not a priority.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the small number of Brazilian enterprises and investors, it is impossible to generalize the results.
Practical implications
The results are relevant to rethink strategies, processes and methodological tools that seek to portray, more realistically and reliably, the evaluation dimensions in SE.
Social implications
This study highlights the risk regarding the legitimacy of social impact ventures since, without the due causal inferences, it is not easy to prove the impact they claim to achieve. This situation conducts to the weakening of the ecosystem leading to the emptying of the term impact.
Originality/value
The main research contributions address the methodologies, practices and evaluation routines of some Brazilian SE and their investors, presenting the characteristics, perceptions and limitations of the studied ventures.
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Argyrios Loukopoulos and Dimitra Papadimitriou
The repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the organizational scaling strategies of the social impact are still under-researched and remain one of the most significant issues…
Abstract
Purpose
The repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the organizational scaling strategies of the social impact are still under-researched and remain one of the most significant issues in the social entrepreneurship field, with scarce empirical research so far. This paper aims to present the organizational growth strategies that Greek social enterprises have used to scale their social impact during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
Building on development studies, organization theory and social movement research, this study addresses how Greek social enterprises scale their social impact following organizational growth strategies during the pandemic, based on a sample of ten social enterprises and following a qualitative method approach through a multiple case study.
Findings
Results highlight that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizational scaling of social enterprises has supported social impact through expanding services, building new interorganizational collaborations and serving additional beneficiaries. Furthermore, new and viable growth strategies include advocacy-oriented scaling for resources and local and remote markets through prompt digitalization.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first systematic attempt to explore the organizational scaling strategies undertaken by Greek social enterprises in the context of the difficulties placed by the COVID-19 crisis. What emerged from this study was a new prominent organizational scaling strategy of the social enterprises’ social impact called strategic organizational change.
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Tiago Ribeiro, Abel Correia and Rui Biscaia
Despite the recognition that citizens' perceptions of mega sport events' social impact is critical for the sustainable development of these events and host cities, most previous…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the recognition that citizens' perceptions of mega sport events' social impact is critical for the sustainable development of these events and host cities, most previous studies have not taken into consideration how these perceptions may change over time. This study examines citizens' social impact perceptions of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games before and after the event.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected amongst local residents of Rio de Janeiro pre- and post-event (n = 256). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) analysed the psychometric properties of the proposed social impact constructs. Subsequently, a multigroup analysis and latent mean comparisons were conducted to test social impact perceptions pre- and post-event.
Findings
The multigroup CFA showed factorial stability of the social impact model in both periods, while the latent mean comparisons revealed significant differences in the dimensions of social experiences, city image and community pride enhancement, public infrastructures and social conflicts. Results indicated that the perception of positive impacts tends to increase, while perceived negative impacts decrease from pre- to post-event.
Social implications
The social effects of hosting sport mega events result in a short-term change in attitudes towards the local community, leading to a better comprehension on how communities perceive the event's impact on their lives.
Originality/value
In a highly complex mega event such as the Olympic Games, any change may influence residents' perceptions. The findings of this study demonstrate the importance of residents for determining support or opposition in hosting the event, allowing a better understanding of the exchange effects.
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Petra Tausl Prochazkova and Marta Noskova
This paper aims to investigate the issue of performance measurement of social enterprises with main particular focus on economic performance approach reflecting local aspect…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the issue of performance measurement of social enterprises with main particular focus on economic performance approach reflecting local aspect, since the local aspect plays a significant role in social entrepreneurship concept. Thus, comparison of two instruments that consider local aspects: local multiplier 3 (LM3) and Input-Output analysis is examined. Input-Output analysis is empirically used to calculate social enterprises’ impact on the Czech economy and to confirm the assumption to be more suitable instrument for economic performance measurement of social enterprises in comparison to local multiplier 3 method.
Design/methodology/approach
The research adopted two-phase approach. At first a qualitative approach was used to compare the two selected instruments (LM3 and Input-Output analysis). Consequently, a quantitative research was applied to determine the impact of social enterprises’ activities on the economies of individual regions. The research was carried out on a sample of social enterprises (143 subjects) in the Czech Republic covering the year 2015. For this approach, Symmetric Input-Output tables and multipliers were calculated and revenue data from each observed social enterprise were used.
Findings
The findings of the research indicate effects of social enterprises’ activities on the economy in individual regions of the Czech Republic. The results clearly show that the impact of social enterprises on the Czech economy is not negligible. Calculated impacts differ in sectors as well as in regions. Besides, of these findings, the assumption that the Input-Output analysis is more appropriate instrument for economic performance measurement of social enterprises, especially in situation of a larger sample of social enterprises in different regions, in comparison to LM3 method, was confirmed.
Research limitations/implications
The limitations of this study is the dependence on the Symmetric Input-Output tables, which are usually published by local statistical offices and it takes some time to construct them. A more significant limitation and future research direction relates to the lack of generally accepted measurement framework in the sector of social enterprises and lack of the data, especially quantitative, in the Czech Republic.
Practical implications
The findings of the research represent a significant contribution to the process chain of understanding the role of social enterprises in (local) economy. The lack of proven impact of social enterprises to economy is considered as important limit of this sector development, not only from the perspective of investors and donors but also from the perspective of policymakers and even social enterprises themselves. The Input-Output analysis can be applied for any region of any country and can contribute to reduce scepticism about economic performance of social enterprises, thus to support putting social and environmental goals of social enterprises into practice.
Social implications
This research has been carried out on the so far largest identified sample of social enterprises in the Czech Republic and provides data for discourse among stakeholders about social enterprises’ impact; thus, it enables to understand their impact and make capable to enlarge their support network and development.
Originality/value
This research is a pioneering attempt to provide data about economic impact of social enterprises using Input-Output analysis in the Czech Republic. No previous research identifies such a large sample of Czech social enterprises and collects quantitative data about them, as well as considers Input-Output analysis as an option instead of LM3 method. The effort of this research has been to react on a research gap in studies related to the impact of social enterprises (reflecting local aspect). This paper could be understood as beneficial not only from the perspective of the Czech Republic but also worldwide.
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Tiago Miguel Ribeiro, Abel Correia, Rui Biscaia and Carlos Figueiredo
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of service quality on perceived positive and negative social impact of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of service quality on perceived positive and negative social impact of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
Design/methodology/approach
A field study was conducted in Rio de Janeiro, and data were collected from residents who attended the Olympic Games through a self-administered questionnaire (n=519). The questionnaire included measures of perceived service quality, positive and negative social impact. A confirmatory factor analysis analysed the psychometric properties of the constructs, and a subsequent structural equation model examined the relationships between service quality and social impact perceptions.
Findings
The results show good psychometric properties of a multidimensional construct of service quality composed of the technical, functional, aesthetic, access, accommodation and complementary events dimensions. The service quality construct was significantly related to both positive social impact (city image and community pride enhancement, social experiences and public infrastructures) and negative social impact (social conflicts and costs) perceptions.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by examining the role of service quality in sport mega-events and testing on different facets of social impact. The findings highlight that social atmosphere and new experiences in the Olympic Games are critical when planning these events.
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