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Work Integrated Social Enterprises: Balancing Social Impact and Economic Sustainability through Governance and Policy Support

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Work Integrated Social Enterprises (WISEs) have emerged as a powerful and dynamic force in redefining the established norms while enhancing sustainability, promoting integration and nurturing more inclusive working societies by addressing employment barriers for marginalized groups. Using data from semi-structured interviews with WISEs in a mid-sized Swedish municipality, this article’s findings reveal the challenges they face, such as financial sustainability, the need for formal organizational structures, and societal prejudices. The findings highlight WISEs’ strategies for balancing economic stability with their social mission and emphasize the pivotal role of municipal and regional governance in supporting their operations. Targeted policy support in areas like management, human resources, and financial backing is essential to ensure WISEs’ survival and long-term success.

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  • Andrén, Daniela & Kremel, Anna, 2025. "Work Integrated Social Enterprises: Balancing Social Impact and Economic Sustainability through Governance and Policy Support," Working Papers 2025:7, Örebro University, School of Business.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:oruesi:2025_007
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    work integrated social enterprises; social inclusion; entrepreneurship; municipal support;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • L31 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - Nonprofit Institutions; NGOs; Social Entrepreneurship
    • R58 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Regional Development Planning and Policy

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