What is it about?

This paper explores the entrepreneurial process behind the creation of social enterprises, particularly those focused on work insertion. It examines how successive crises in Europe have prompted a rethinking of the welfare state and the role of Third Sector organizations in providing community services. The study highlights that the creation of social enterprises is a collective decision-making process influenced by the organization's culture. The paper aims to describe and analyze this process and identify the key elements that determine the decision to create a work insertion social enterprise. It proposes an explanatory model for the creation of social enterprises and validates it empirically using the Delphi Method, focusing on cases of work insertion social enterprises in Spain.

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Why is it important?

This research is important for several reasons. First, it addresses the evolving role of Third Sector organizations in Europe, particularly in response to successive crises that have challenged traditional welfare state models. By examining how these organizations create social enterprises, the study provides insights into alternative ways of delivering community services and promoting social inclusion. Second, the focus on work insertion social enterprises highlights the importance of creating employment opportunities for marginalized groups. Understanding the entrepreneurial process behind these enterprises can help policymakers and practitioners develop strategies to support their growth and effectiveness. Third, the study emphasizes the collective nature of decision-making and the influence of organizational culture in the creation of social enterprises. This perspective can inform the development of supportive environments that foster collaboration and innovation within Third Sector organizations. Finally, the empirical validation of the proposed model using the Delphi Method adds rigor to the research, making the findings more robust and applicable to real-world scenarios. Overall, this research can guide the development of policies and practices that enhance the role of social enterprises in addressing social and economic challenges.

Perspectives

From my perspective, this study offers valuable insights into the dynamic role of Third Sector organizations in Europe, especially in the context of ongoing crises that challenge traditional welfare models. It underscores the importance of social enterprises in providing innovative solutions for community services and promoting social inclusion. One key perspective is the collective nature of the decision-making process in creating social enterprises. This highlights the importance of collaboration and shared vision within organizations, which can lead to more sustainable and impactful initiatives. Understanding how organizational culture influences these decisions can help in fostering environments that support collective entrepreneurship. Another important aspect is the focus on work insertion social enterprises. These enterprises play a crucial role in integrating marginalized groups into the workforce, addressing both social and economic challenges. By examining the factors that drive the creation of these enterprises, the study provides practical insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to support and scale such initiatives. The use of the Delphi Method for empirical validation adds a layer of rigor to the research, making the findings more robust and applicable. This methodological approach can serve as a model for future studies in the field, ensuring that research is grounded in real-world experiences and expert consensus. Overall, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how social enterprises can be effectively created and supported, offering a roadmap for enhancing their role in addressing societal challenges.

Dr F. Javier Miranda
Universidad de Extremadura

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Creation of Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) by Social Action Organizations: Proposal of a Model for Decision-Making, VOLUNTAS International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, February 2022, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1007/s11266-021-00447-2.
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