TY - JOUR
T1 - Tensions in work integration social enterprises in The Netherlands
T2 - balancing social and commercial goals in a multi-stakeholder context
AU - Linda, Drupsteen
AU - Meerstra-de Haan, Erzsi
N1 - In addition, the authors would especially like to thank the participating entrepreneurs for their openness, the researchers participating in data collection and analysis, especially Melanie de Vries, Marie-Louise ’t Jong and Bram Loog and the reviewers of earlier draft versions of this paper.
PY - 2024/9/12
Y1 - 2024/9/12
N2 - Purpose – Social enterprises have proven to play a vital role in the transitions towards inclusive labour markets and sustainable economies. Yet, they often struggle to flourish within traditional economic systems due to the dual mission of pursuing social and commercial goals, leading to inherent tensions for social entrepreneurs. This study aims to explore tensions within work integration social enterprises (WISEs) arising from their dual mission and engagement with multiple stakeholders.Design/methodology/approach – Interviews with representatives from ten Dutch WISEs were conducted to understand their day-to-day challenges. The typology by Smith and Lewis (2011), focusing on learning, belonging, organising and performing tensions, was used for data analysis.Findings – The study reveals tensions between social impact and commercial viability, with organisational challenges being predominant. Also, there is an observed temporal pattern in tension prominence: early stages emphasise belonging, organising and performing tensions, while learning tensions become more prominent asenterprises mature.Originality/value – This study offers insights into tensions within WISEs, highlighting the complexity of managing multiple identities in a multi-stakeholder context. By drawing on practical experiences, it contributes nuanced understanding to existing literature.
AB - Purpose – Social enterprises have proven to play a vital role in the transitions towards inclusive labour markets and sustainable economies. Yet, they often struggle to flourish within traditional economic systems due to the dual mission of pursuing social and commercial goals, leading to inherent tensions for social entrepreneurs. This study aims to explore tensions within work integration social enterprises (WISEs) arising from their dual mission and engagement with multiple stakeholders.Design/methodology/approach – Interviews with representatives from ten Dutch WISEs were conducted to understand their day-to-day challenges. The typology by Smith and Lewis (2011), focusing on learning, belonging, organising and performing tensions, was used for data analysis.Findings – The study reveals tensions between social impact and commercial viability, with organisational challenges being predominant. Also, there is an observed temporal pattern in tension prominence: early stages emphasise belonging, organising and performing tensions, while learning tensions become more prominent asenterprises mature.Originality/value – This study offers insights into tensions within WISEs, highlighting the complexity of managing multiple identities in a multi-stakeholder context. By drawing on practical experiences, it contributes nuanced understanding to existing literature.
KW - work integration social enterprise (WISE)
KW - dual mission
KW - tensions
KW - multi-stakeholder
KW - arbeidsintegratie sociale onderneming
KW - dubbele missie
KW - spanningen
KW - multi-belanghebbenden
M3 - Article
SN - 1750-8533
JO - Social Enterprise Journal
JF - Social Enterprise Journal
ER -