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Considerations For Scaling a Social Enterprise: Key Factors and Elements

Author

Listed:
  • O’Reilly Clodagh
  • Walsh Lucia

    (1 School of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland)

  • Mottiar Ziene

    (2 School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland)

Abstract

The number of social enterprises has grown exponentially in recent times. International research regarding how social enterprises scale is starting to emerge and is becoming an area of increased focus. Due to their hybridity, social enterprises experience unique scaling challenges, and research has started to examine these experiences. This theoretical paper reviews existing literature on social enterprise scaling and, based on this, proposes a conceptual model for understanding the interdependent factors and elements social enterprises must navigate when scaling. The proposed conceptual model will provide a base for further empirical research. When validated, it will also provide a practical tool for social enterprises exploring scaling possibilities and inform future enterprise and policy supports in this area.

Suggested Citation

  • O’Reilly Clodagh & Walsh Lucia & Mottiar Ziene, 2023. "Considerations For Scaling a Social Enterprise: Key Factors and Elements," The Irish Journal of Management, Sciendo, vol. 42(1), pages 16-32, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:vrs:irjman:v:42:y:2023:i:1:p:16-32:n:6
    DOI: 10.2478/ijm-2023-0008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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