Growth and social entrepreneurs: the challenge of conciliating economic and social values

Purpose - This research aimed to describe the phenomenon of the growth of enterprises in the vision of social entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach - This is a qualitative study developed joining eight social entrepreneurs in four organizations, two cooperatives and two associations. Data were obtained in semi structured interviews. Data were analyzed with interpretativist and the classical content analysis. Findings - The main findings indicated the growth phenomenon presented in five categories: growth intentions, growth meanings, support of other organizations and participation in networks, strategies and difficulties. The results of the research have shown that the growth for the social entrepreneurs is a collective phenomenon, characterized by search of economic value and empowerment. Research limitations/implications - The main limitation of the research was study only two types of organizations, one garbage cooperative and two association. Practical implications - The results can help managers of social incubators and stakeholders because it was evidenced the efforts and difficulties that social entrepreneurs face to survive and to search growth. Social implications - Our findings may contribute to the formulation of public policies oriented to social entrepreneurs. Originality/value - This paper presents the first theoretical contribution about the growth in a specific context, the context of social entrepreneurs.