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

Abstract

PurposeThis research aimed to describe the phenomenon of the growth of enterprises in the vision of social entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approachThis 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.FindingsThe 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/implicationsThe main limitation of the research was study only two types of organizations, one garbage cooperative and two association.Practical implicationsThe 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 implicationsOur findings may contribute to the formulation of public policies oriented to social entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThis paper presents the first theoretical contribution about the growth in a specific context, the context of social entrepreneurs.