Social enterprise as a socially rational business

RIDLEY-DUFF, R. J. (2008). Social enterprise as a socially rational business. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, 14 (5), 291-312.

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Official URL: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/135525508108...
Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1108/13552550810897669

Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines the discourses that influence policy and practice in social enterprises. In institutional circles, arguments are shaped by the desire to protect assets for the community, while entrepreneurial discourses favour a mixture of investment sources, surplus sharing and inclusive systems of governance. A critique is outlined that challenges policy-makers and academics to move beyond the heated debate on ‘business-like’ activity through a deeper understanding of the social relations entered into (and created by) different social entrepreneurial activities. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper is wholly theoretical. Firstly, contradictions are exposed through a review of practitioner and scholarly literature. Thereafter, empirically grounded studies are used to develop a theoretical model that accommodates and accounts for diverse practices. A broader perspective, that views human behaviour as a product of, and support system for, our socio-sexual choices, is deployed to extend understanding of social capital. By integrating this into governance theory, workplaces come to be seen as complex centres of community building replete with economic and social goals. The concept of ‘social rationality’ is elaborated as an alternative way to understand the legitimacy of social entrepreneurial activity and management practice. Originality/Value: The paper concludes by developing a framework and typology that theorises social enterprise as a heterogeneous business movement. Each form of social enterprise integrates socially rational thinking into its policies and practices. This suggests a different educational agenda for social entrepreneurs oriented towards the equitable distribution, and not accumulation, of social and economic capital. Keywords: Social Enterprise, Governance, Social Rationality, Social Capital, Co-operative Practice Paper Type: Conceptual paper

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: This is the author's final version of the paper accepted for publication.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Social Enterprise, Governance, Social Rationality, Social Capital, Co-operative Practice
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Sheffield Business School Research Institute > People, Work and Organisation
Departments - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Sheffield Business School > Department of Management
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1108/13552550810897669
Page Range: 291-312
Depositing User: Rory Ridley-Duff
Date Deposited: 01 Nov 2010 15:54
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2021 06:07
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/2680

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