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18 pages, 1669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Entrepreneurship: A Bibliometric Analysis of Its Fields of Study

by Katherine Coronel-Pangol, Doménica Heras, Juan Aguirre Quezada, Pedro Mora and Karina Durán Andrade

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13432; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813432 - 07 Sep 2023

Viewed by 925

Abstract

Social Entrepreneurship, one of the branches of Entrepreneurship, has acquired important relevance because it has both social and financial purposes and has become a necessary mechanism to combat social exclusion, revitalize disadvantaged areas, provide employment opportunities, and address social problems neglected by the [...] Read more.

Social Entrepreneurship, one of the branches of Entrepreneurship, has acquired important relevance because it has both social and financial purposes and has become a necessary mechanism to combat social exclusion, revitalize disadvantaged areas, provide employment opportunities, and address social problems neglected by the public and private sectors. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the subject among academics and entrepreneurs, but there is still research that lacks an adequate conceptualization. Therefore, this article aims to identify the main lines of research on social entrepreneurship through a bibliometric analysis. To carry out the analysis, a study of both publication performance and word co-occurrence of 3023 articles extracted from Web of Science during the period 1993–2022 was performed using the SCIMAT v1.1.04 software for data processing. It was found that the year 2022 was the year with the highest scientific production, and a strong relationship was established between social entrepreneurship and gender and economic development issues. As a result of the analysis, possible lines of future research are proposed, and these can contribute to fill the existing knowledge gaps on social entrepreneurship and promote a better understanding of the topic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Business and Impact for Sustainable Growth)

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12 pages, 395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Growth for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach

by Johan Krisnanto Runtuk, Poh Kiat Ng, Shih Yin Ooi, Remigius Purwanto, Arief Suardi Nur Chairat and Yu Jin Ng

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4555; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054555 - 03 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1762

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are constantly under pressure to grow. This pressure forces everyone involved to think about how best to run their business. Although there is much research on SME growth, previous research is fragmented and only addresses internal or external [...] Read more.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are constantly under pressure to grow. This pressure forces everyone involved to think about how best to run their business. Although there is much research on SME growth, previous research is fragmented and only addresses internal or external enablers. This study aims to construct an interaction model for all enablers that promote sustainable SME growth. An interpretive structural modeling (ISM) analysis is conducted to formulate an interaction model of enablers for SME growth. The results show that both internal and external enablers are crucial for SME growth. This study shows that the following internal enablers that are interrelated and strongly influence SME growth are MS (managerial skills), EO (entrepreneurial orientation), and OwS (ownership structure). In addition, external enablers such as CIL (customer involvement and location) and GS (government support) also play an important role in improving the performance of other factors for SME growth. In addition, this study also provides a guide for formulating strategies for SME sustainability. Effective policy formulation must be based on a correct understanding of the interdependence between enablers as a unified model of interaction. The interaction between the enablers highlighted and the level of the model would be helpful to all shareholders in finding appropriate strategies for SME growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Business and Impact for Sustainable Growth)

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24 pages, 930 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strategic Human Resources Management for Creating Shared Value in Social Business Organizations

by Farhana Ferdousi and Nuren Abedin

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3703; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043703 - 17 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 9657

Abstract

Social business organizations work to achieve social and business goals to create shared value (CSV). Strategic human resource management (SHRM) is one of the key components of optimizing shared value. The available literature needs more evidence on how these organizations manage their human [...] Read more.

Social business organizations work to achieve social and business goals to create shared value (CSV). Strategic human resource management (SHRM) is one of the key components of optimizing shared value. The available literature needs more evidence on how these organizations manage their human resources. This study aims to bridge the gap by examining the HRM approaches of social business in creating shared value for the organization. This study analyzed four social business cases through semi-structured interviews, field visits, and a review of archival documents and web-based reports and resources. As shown in the results, we found that formal recruitment processes are followed where candidates’ prior knowledge and interests in the social business are tested rigorously. Talented, qualified, and suitable candidates are selected without any biases. On-the-job training processes are followed with a rigorous focus on orienting employees to social and business goals. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are sets for evaluating employees’ social and business performance. Market rates are followed in providing compensation. Family-oriented and participatory work environment exists, which keeps their turnover low. High-performance HRM is recommended to achieve future growth and shared value optimization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Business and Impact for Sustainable Growth)

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18 pages, 339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intra-Stakeholder Heterogeneity Perspective on the Hybridity of Competing Institutional Logics for Social Enterprises

by Tae Jun Bae and James O. Fiet

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3215; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043215 - 09 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1289

Abstract

Both academics and businesspeople are interested in how to make social enterprises sustainable. The focus of this research is on the different kinds of stakeholders within a group that make it easier for competing logics to coexist in social enterprises. Based on intra-stakeholder [...] Read more.

Both academics and businesspeople are interested in how to make social enterprises sustainable. The focus of this research is on the different kinds of stakeholders within a group that make it easier for competing logics to coexist in social enterprises. Based on intra-stakeholder heterogeneity and competing institutional logics, we identify key sub-categories among market stakeholders such as investors, customers, and employees. We tested our hypotheses using survey data collected from 190 social enterprises in Korea. Our research shows that the hybridity of competing logics is better when there are more ethical investors in the investor stakeholder group and cross-sector employees in the employee stakeholder group. However, impure altruistic buyers do not have much of an impact on the hybridity of competing logics among consumer stakeholder groups. Our study’s analysis of intra-stakeholder heterogeneity provides theoretical insight into the hybridity of institutional logics in social entrepreneurship. This study also makes the practical suggestion that in order to achieve hybridity, managers of social enterprises should put in a lot of time and effort to understand the different institutional logics of within-group stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Business and Impact for Sustainable Growth)

16 pages, 472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fostering Youth Entrepreneurship Development through Social Business—Evidence from Bangladesh

by Farhana Ferdousi, Parveen Mahmud and Kazi Tanvir Mahmud

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010756 - 31 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3177

Abstract

A social business fund is a novel financial instrument that can assist micro-entrepreneurs. Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of microcredit on the income, expenses, health, and living standards of entrepreneurs. In this study, we expand on previous research by analyzing [...] Read more.

A social business fund is a novel financial instrument that can assist micro-entrepreneurs. Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of microcredit on the income, expenses, health, and living standards of entrepreneurs. In this study, we expand on previous research by analyzing a novel financial instrument called social business funds. Specifically, this study investigated the impact of social business funds on micro-entrepreneurs’ income. Primary data were collected from the young micro-entrepreneurs. The Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique was used to assess the impact of social business funds on the livelihood of entrepreneurs in terms of income and expenditure. Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) was also used to assess the opinion of the micro-entrepreneurs on the increase in their entrepreneurial income. The results showed that the social business fund significantly impacted entrepreneurs’ incomes. Along with funds, some entrepreneurial training and support services were recommended. Government and non-government organizations are advised to take appropriate policy initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Business and Impact for Sustainable Growth)

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16 pages, 806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role and Potential of Comedians/Entertainers as Social Entrepreneurs Who Activate Local Communities

by Hiroki Nakamura

Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16860; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416860 - 15 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1029

Abstract

Japan continues to confront population decline and aging and ranks low in terms of individual social entrepreneurship. Yoshimoto Kogyo, a leading Japanese entertainment company, launched a project dispatching comedians/entertainers and staff to 47 Japanese prefectures to activate local community collaboration and support various [...] Read more.

Japan continues to confront population decline and aging and ranks low in terms of individual social entrepreneurship. Yoshimoto Kogyo, a leading Japanese entertainment company, launched a project dispatching comedians/entertainers and staff to 47 Japanese prefectures to activate local community collaboration and support various social entrepreneurial activities. This project aims to improve residents’ quality of life and alleviate social and economic challenges. This study frames the project as a case study and investigates the role and potential of comedians/entertainers as social entrepreneurs who can activate local communities. This study surveys the people involved with the project and examines characteristics and roles of comedians/entertainers as social entrepreneurs. Furthermore, this study discusses comedians’/entertainers’ potential as social entrepreneurs and their future prospects by analyzing the effect of the tools used to promote social entrepreneurship. The results indicate that comedians/entertainers residing in their local areas have significant potential to be social entrepreneurs, despite the project being relatively unknown. Finally, this study found that when this project is introduced through a promotional video and song, peoples’ interests, support, and involvement in the projects increase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Business and Impact for Sustainable Growth)

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17 pages, 4233 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Entrepreneurship and Complex Thinking: A Bibliometric Study

by José Carlos Vázquez-Parra, Marco Cruz-Sandoval and Martina Carlos-Arroyo

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13187; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013187 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 1978

Abstract

This article presents the results of a bibliometric study that aimed to identify academic publications that considered the relationship between social entrepreneurship and the competency of complex thinking and its sub-competencies. The intention is to create a theoretical horizon that provides a complete [...] Read more.

This article presents the results of a bibliometric study that aimed to identify academic publications that considered the relationship between social entrepreneurship and the competency of complex thinking and its sub-competencies. The intention is to create a theoretical horizon that provides a complete overview of the current academic correlation between both competencies to identify areas of opportunity for new studies. Methodologically, we reviewed the Scopus and Web of Science databases under the PRISMA protocol. R, RStudio, and Bibliometrix were used to quantitatively analyze the data. The results showed that the number of related publications was minimal and corresponded to current studies, which sheds light on the vast possibilities to analyze the relationship between both variables. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Business and Impact for Sustainable Growth)

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12 pages, 280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding the Function of a Social Business Ecosystem

by Susumu Cato and Hiroki Nakamura

Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9325; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159325 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1392

Abstract

Social entrepreneurs face challenging situations in trying to expand and grow businesses with little investment and limited resources. Interactions and networks between social entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders are indispensable in promoting social entrepreneurship. Together, they come to form a cyclical “social business [...] Read more.

Social entrepreneurs face challenging situations in trying to expand and grow businesses with little investment and limited resources. Interactions and networks between social entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders are indispensable in promoting social entrepreneurship. Together, they come to form a cyclical “social business ecosystem” (SBE), in which social entrepreneurs can finance their projects by paying “share transfer fees.” By using a theoretical/mathematical model in our method, this study examines the fundamental role of share transfer fees in an SBE. In particular, it establishes a moral hazard model that can explain important characteristics of an SBE. As main results, the study identifies conditions under which an SBE can mitigate the moral hazard of social entrepreneurs. The results suggest that SBEs work efficiently for relatively small social projects. This is consistent with actual cases of social business. Within this framework, this study also explores the practical implications of knowledge spillover; social entrepreneurs conduct SBEs more efficiently if they take advantage of knowledge spillover. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Business and Impact for Sustainable Growth)

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18 pages, 1044 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Systematic Review on Sustainability-Oriented Innovation in the Social Enterprises

by Budi Harsanto, Asep Mulyana, Yudi Ahmad Faisal, Venny Mellandhia Shandy and Muntasir Alam

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14771; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214771 - 09 Nov 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1969

Abstract

Sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI) is a subset of innovation that focuses on not just maximizing profits but also on minimizing negative consequences for the environment and society. Despite the fact that the study of SOI has grown rapidly in recent years, little is known [...] Read more.

Sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI) is a subset of innovation that focuses on not just maximizing profits but also on minimizing negative consequences for the environment and society. Despite the fact that the study of SOI has grown rapidly in recent years, little is known about how SOI takes place in social enterprises (SEs). The aim of this study is to understand SOI in SEs with two research questions focusing on the current state of the research and the identification of emergent themes and subthemes regarding SOI practices in SEs. The method used was a systematic review of the scholarly literature guided by the PRISMA protocol. The systematic search and filtering process resulted in 27 studies, which were filtered out of a total of 100 studies. The study’s findings show that process/organizational innovation, such as business model transformation and stakeholder management to increase SEs’ societal impact, is widely practiced in SEs. Unlike SOI in commercial organizations, which is dominant in the subcategory of SOI of environmental innovation, SOI in SEs is more prevalent in social innovation. Several challenges faced by SEs in developing SOIs were also revealed, including a lack of long-term funding, low entry barriers for potential competitors, and inefficiencies. A number of potential future directions were also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Business and Impact for Sustainable Growth)

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