Networks for Social Enterprise: Applying a systems perspective to case studies in Latin America

Authors

  • Christine Nielsen Department of Management and International Business Merrick School of Business University of Baltimore Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
  • Ing. Daniel Carranza Universidad Internacional Morelos, Mexico C.P. 62179

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18533/ijbsr.v2i6.130

Keywords:

Social Entrepreneurship, Actor-Network Theory, General Systems Theory, Knowledge Management, Case Studies in Latin America

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to enhance understanding of social enterprise in emerging markets, highlighting key success factors. A general systems perspective is applied to comparative case studies in the Dominican Republic and Mexico, revealing interrelationships among social entrepreneurs, international development organizations, government agencies, and other institutions. Results support the value of Actor Network Theory as a means of understanding social entrepreneurship processes. We conclude that the interorganizational networks among these partners play a vital role in the scale and scope of social benefits achieved. The social entrepreneur’s network of learning process enablers, knowledge providers and co-creators emerges as an essential key success factor.

Downloads

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 6 (2012): November

Section

Article

License

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

  • Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
  • Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
  • Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).