The social enterprise sector in the UK
Purpose -This paper is concerned with developing a framework which allows both economic and social entrepreneurship to be analysed. Design/methodology/approach -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). The paper is exploratory, developing a conceptual framework, based on some case studies of social enterprises in a range of business sectors, in the UK. Findings -The findings from this small scale study provide interesting models of entrepreneurship that contrast with conventional models for SMEs.Research limitations/implications -The research has implications for research on conventional entrepreneurship, as well as creating a basis for developing the new field of social entrepreneurship. Practical implications -The paper provides policy implications for more effective support of social entrepreneurship. Originality/value -The paper establishes the importance of some distinctive factors in social entrepreneurship for policy and further research.
This paper considers issues of governance in democratic member-based organisations (DMOs), such as co-operatives and mutual societies. It examines the processes whereby members' interests are mediated through the democratic process, and the board; and it explores some of the factors influencing the power of managers. It goes on to argue that the system of governance in DMOs in their institutional context runs the risks of managers becoming powerful and entrenched in poorly performing social economy organisations, unless countervailing measures are adopted.
Abstract**: The development of social enterprise is a rapidly emerging trend in Europe. And one sector where they have found a particularly important place is in work integration, addressing some of the more difficult problems of social exclusion in labour markets. The study on which this paper is based was a large scale comparative analysis of developments of these social enterprise in 12 European countries While there are clear differences in national contexts, there are also similarities in the forms and characteristics of these social enterprise across Europe. It is argued that this form of social enterprise has proved effective and is an important innovation to address problems of more marginalised groups and individuals, but there remain issues about how to sustain and promote the good models and good practices developed.
IntroductionThe international trend to demutualise ¢nancial services (mutuals and co-operatives), the conversions of farmer co-operatives in many countries, and the well published bid by Lanica to takeover the UK 's largest consumer co-operative, have contributed to a public perception that the co-operative idea is one that belongs to a past generation.Published research and general statistics in annual reports in various sectors of the co-operative movement indicate that although there are signs of growth and development, much of the movement 's recent history has been one of loss of market share and retrenchment. In addition there appear to be widespread popular doubts about the continued relevance of co-operation in the modern world together with demoralisation and a sense of isolation even at the highest levels of co-operative management.The international context of transition economies in eastern Europe, deregulation in much of the rest of the world and globalisation has only increased the competitive pressures on cooperatives in the UK and abroad.However, at the same time, these problems represent an enormous opportunity to respond positively and vigorously. There are numerous examples of co-operative innovation and good practice, and there is a mood of reassessing features of co-operation that`make the di¡erence' in business terms and ethically. Indeed there is a strong sense that good business and high standards can be a winning combination. But the theoretical basis for co-operative advantage is unclear and so cannot inform such activities. It is essential that this is addressed to help tackle the problem and capture the spirit of reasserting cooperative advantage. This paper attempts to strengthen our theoretical understanding of the nature of co-operative advantage and the characteristics of co-operatives that give them an economic and &CIRIEC 2000. Published by Blackwell Publishers,
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