During the last two decades, starting in the mid-1980s, a remarkable connection between features ... more During the last two decades, starting in the mid-1980s, a remarkable connection between features usually considered as belonging to the sphere of civil society and characteristics usually related to market economics has evolved as a trend in the not-for-profit sector: the ...
ABSTRACT During the last two decades, starting in the mid 1980s, a remarkable connection between ... more ABSTRACT During the last two decades, starting in the mid 1980s, a remarkable connection between features usually considered as belonging to the sphere of civil society and characteristics usually related to market economics has evolved as a trend in the not-for-profit sector: the emergence of social entrepreneurship. Concepts and understandings related to social science all of a sudden ended up inter-twined with the vocabulary of market economics: 'entrepreneurship', 'innovation', 'capital'... Social entrepreneurs, it is said, are equivalents of business entrepreneurs 'but they operate in the social, not-for-profit sector, building "something from nothing" and seeking new and innovative solutions to social problems'.
A recurring theme amongst policymakers and researchers concerned with social innovation is how to... more A recurring theme amongst policymakers and researchers concerned with social innovation is how to increase its social impact, or replicate it elsewhere. This paper draws on the literature to develop a typology of strategies for scaling social impact. It then uses a Danish Case study of an innovative social enterprise to examine the rationale for strategic choices, and issues involved, when the social enterprise ambitiously scales its social impact. This experience also reveals how the strategies evolve over a number of years.
Social entrepreneurship and social enterprises share the potential to make a difference for peopl... more Social entrepreneurship and social enterprises share the potential to make a difference for people and societies. The Nordic countries represent an interesting regional case, due to their distinctive welfare system, and institutions arising from their cultural/social dynamics. In this book the editors demonstrate how the leading narratives and discourses that have shaped the Nordic societies, also shape the narratives and development of social entrepreneurship and social enterprises.
The social economy constitutes a range of organisations that have a core social mission, differen... more The social economy constitutes a range of organisations that have a core social mission, different levels of participative and democratic control by members, and use financial surpluses or profits primarily to achieve their social missions. This research examined the actual and potential roles of the social economy in bringing about inclusive growth that generates more and better jobs in UK cities, particularly for people who are either in or at risk of poverty.
This paper examines different conceptualisations of the social economy in the UK; it reviews the ... more This paper examines different conceptualisations of the social economy in the UK; it reviews the scope and diversity of the social economy in the UK. It goes onto to outline some of the current trends (markets for welfare services, and the growth of social enterprise) and challenges it faces. Each of the traditional social economy sectors is reviewed in turn, with reference made to new initiatives/sectors where relevant. Then the institutional framework for the social economy is reviewed by looking at legal frameworks and new trends of social enterprise.
There is nothing better than imagining other worlds to forget how painful is the world in which w... more There is nothing better than imagining other worlds to forget how painful is the world in which we live. At least I thought so then. I had not yet understood that, imagining other worlds, we eventually ending up changing this one.
The chapter examines well-developed policies and institutional arrangements to provide or enable ... more The chapter examines well-developed policies and institutional arrangements to provide or enable social finance in three different jurisdictions (the UK, the USA, and Quebec). The chapter reviews what governments have actually done, why they became involved, and how their policies and new institutions developed over time. By contrasting two liberal market economies with a coordinated market economy the chapter aims to move the discussion and analysis beyond the Anglo-American concerns that often frame discussions of social finance. The chapter draws some conclusions from its research in the form of a broad argument about how different policies regarding social finance in different jurisdictions emerge and mature.
This paper explores a social movement perspective on social entrepreneurship. It examines some th... more This paper explores a social movement perspective on social entrepreneurship. It examines some theoretical and practical manifestations of social movements in civil society. It argues that in some cases these are closely linked to social entrepreneurial activities, and in this way develop an extremely dynamic and widespread process of entrepreneurship in the third sector. The paper first defines its approach to social entrepreneurship and discusses the conceptual relation between social entrepreneurship, civil society and social movements. Smelser (in his study of the TVA along with other early writers on social movements sees grievance/deprivation as fundamental to the generation of collective action that social movements are part of. Touraine (1985) has studied the example of Solidarnosz, the Polish Trade Union initiated social movement, which played a major role in the overthrow of communism there. He argues that social movements are one of the most important forces changing soci...
Globalization has many features, but three in particular have important implications for co-opera... more Globalization has many features, but three in particular have important implications for co-operatives in the way in which they respond to the challenge of globalization. Firstly the globalization of financial markets, which gives a competitive advantage to large multi-national corporations compared to co-operatives, due to the latter’s more restricted access to such markets. Secondly, the internationalization of corporations through merger and acquisition activity, and the comparative disadvantage of co-operatives in this market for corporate control, partly due to their financial and governance structures and partly to their national orientation. Thirdly, the liberalization of national regulatory and institutional frameworks which have often supported or protected co-operatives’ activities.
This paper considers issues of governance in democratic member-based organisations (DMOs), such a... more This paper considers issues of governance in democratic member-based organisations (DMOs), such as co-operatives and mutual societies. It examines the processes whereby members' interests are mediated through the democratic process, and the board; and it explores some of the factors influencing the power of managers. It goes on to argue that the system of governance in DMOs in their institutional context runs the risks of managers becoming powerful and entrenched in poorly performing social economy organisations, unless countervailing measures are adopted.
A recurring theme amongst policymakers and researchers concerned with social innovation is how to... more A recurring theme amongst policymakers and researchers concerned with social innovation is how to increase its social impact, or replicate it elsewhere. This paper draws on the literature to develop a typology of strategies for scaling social impact. It then uses a Danish Case study of an innovative social enterprise to examine the rationale for strategic choices, and issues involved, when the social enterprise ambitiously scales its social impact. This experience also reveals how the strategies evolve over a number of years.
Revue internationale de l'économie sociale: Recma, 2011
** Communication présentée à la conférence du comité de recherche de l'Alliance coopérative inter... more ** Communication présentée à la conférence du comité de recherche de l'Alliance coopérative internationale avec le Cress Rhône-Alpes et l'université de Lyon, « La contribution des coopératives à une économie plurielle » (2-4 septembre 2010). Traduction de Catherine Laurent, revue par la rédaction.
Values and Opportunities in Social Entrepreneurship, 2010
This chapter is concerned with the role of religion in social entrepreneurship. It takes an insti... more This chapter is concerned with the role of religion in social entrepreneurship. It takes an institutional perspective and examines the way religious institutions and actors have supported social entrepreneurship. Max Weber has argued for the role of (Protestant) religion in motivating people to take entrepreneurial activity, leading to the rise of capitalism in the West. It has often been observed that religious groups, especially sects or minority religious groups such as Quakers or Jews, have strong links with entrepreneurial activity—there are a range of factors in the literature which help us explain this. These include in particular the place of high trust networks in facilitating entrepreneurial activity. In addition, religious institutions (through leadership discourse and institutional networks) have historically played important roles in shaping the activities of religious members and priests as well as philanthropists. This has operated through religious leadership discourse, for example papal encyclicals orienting priests to support economic solutions to poverty and social problems in their communities, and the direct action of individual priests, institutional development (networks/organizations) and local religious leaders to catalyse entrepreneurial activity. Thus these three dimensions of religious institutions (ideological discourse, networks and leadership) will be examined in relation to social entrepreneurship.
During the last two decades, starting in the mid-1980s, a remarkable connection between features ... more During the last two decades, starting in the mid-1980s, a remarkable connection between features usually considered as belonging to the sphere of civil society and characteristics usually related to market economics has evolved as a trend in the not-for-profit sector: the ...
ABSTRACT During the last two decades, starting in the mid 1980s, a remarkable connection between ... more ABSTRACT During the last two decades, starting in the mid 1980s, a remarkable connection between features usually considered as belonging to the sphere of civil society and characteristics usually related to market economics has evolved as a trend in the not-for-profit sector: the emergence of social entrepreneurship. Concepts and understandings related to social science all of a sudden ended up inter-twined with the vocabulary of market economics: 'entrepreneurship', 'innovation', 'capital'... Social entrepreneurs, it is said, are equivalents of business entrepreneurs 'but they operate in the social, not-for-profit sector, building "something from nothing" and seeking new and innovative solutions to social problems'.
A recurring theme amongst policymakers and researchers concerned with social innovation is how to... more A recurring theme amongst policymakers and researchers concerned with social innovation is how to increase its social impact, or replicate it elsewhere. This paper draws on the literature to develop a typology of strategies for scaling social impact. It then uses a Danish Case study of an innovative social enterprise to examine the rationale for strategic choices, and issues involved, when the social enterprise ambitiously scales its social impact. This experience also reveals how the strategies evolve over a number of years.
Social entrepreneurship and social enterprises share the potential to make a difference for peopl... more Social entrepreneurship and social enterprises share the potential to make a difference for people and societies. The Nordic countries represent an interesting regional case, due to their distinctive welfare system, and institutions arising from their cultural/social dynamics. In this book the editors demonstrate how the leading narratives and discourses that have shaped the Nordic societies, also shape the narratives and development of social entrepreneurship and social enterprises.
The social economy constitutes a range of organisations that have a core social mission, differen... more The social economy constitutes a range of organisations that have a core social mission, different levels of participative and democratic control by members, and use financial surpluses or profits primarily to achieve their social missions. This research examined the actual and potential roles of the social economy in bringing about inclusive growth that generates more and better jobs in UK cities, particularly for people who are either in or at risk of poverty.
This paper examines different conceptualisations of the social economy in the UK; it reviews the ... more This paper examines different conceptualisations of the social economy in the UK; it reviews the scope and diversity of the social economy in the UK. It goes onto to outline some of the current trends (markets for welfare services, and the growth of social enterprise) and challenges it faces. Each of the traditional social economy sectors is reviewed in turn, with reference made to new initiatives/sectors where relevant. Then the institutional framework for the social economy is reviewed by looking at legal frameworks and new trends of social enterprise.
There is nothing better than imagining other worlds to forget how painful is the world in which w... more There is nothing better than imagining other worlds to forget how painful is the world in which we live. At least I thought so then. I had not yet understood that, imagining other worlds, we eventually ending up changing this one.
The chapter examines well-developed policies and institutional arrangements to provide or enable ... more The chapter examines well-developed policies and institutional arrangements to provide or enable social finance in three different jurisdictions (the UK, the USA, and Quebec). The chapter reviews what governments have actually done, why they became involved, and how their policies and new institutions developed over time. By contrasting two liberal market economies with a coordinated market economy the chapter aims to move the discussion and analysis beyond the Anglo-American concerns that often frame discussions of social finance. The chapter draws some conclusions from its research in the form of a broad argument about how different policies regarding social finance in different jurisdictions emerge and mature.
This paper explores a social movement perspective on social entrepreneurship. It examines some th... more This paper explores a social movement perspective on social entrepreneurship. It examines some theoretical and practical manifestations of social movements in civil society. It argues that in some cases these are closely linked to social entrepreneurial activities, and in this way develop an extremely dynamic and widespread process of entrepreneurship in the third sector. The paper first defines its approach to social entrepreneurship and discusses the conceptual relation between social entrepreneurship, civil society and social movements. Smelser (in his study of the TVA along with other early writers on social movements sees grievance/deprivation as fundamental to the generation of collective action that social movements are part of. Touraine (1985) has studied the example of Solidarnosz, the Polish Trade Union initiated social movement, which played a major role in the overthrow of communism there. He argues that social movements are one of the most important forces changing soci...
Globalization has many features, but three in particular have important implications for co-opera... more Globalization has many features, but three in particular have important implications for co-operatives in the way in which they respond to the challenge of globalization. Firstly the globalization of financial markets, which gives a competitive advantage to large multi-national corporations compared to co-operatives, due to the latter’s more restricted access to such markets. Secondly, the internationalization of corporations through merger and acquisition activity, and the comparative disadvantage of co-operatives in this market for corporate control, partly due to their financial and governance structures and partly to their national orientation. Thirdly, the liberalization of national regulatory and institutional frameworks which have often supported or protected co-operatives’ activities.
This paper considers issues of governance in democratic member-based organisations (DMOs), such a... more This paper considers issues of governance in democratic member-based organisations (DMOs), such as co-operatives and mutual societies. It examines the processes whereby members' interests are mediated through the democratic process, and the board; and it explores some of the factors influencing the power of managers. It goes on to argue that the system of governance in DMOs in their institutional context runs the risks of managers becoming powerful and entrenched in poorly performing social economy organisations, unless countervailing measures are adopted.
A recurring theme amongst policymakers and researchers concerned with social innovation is how to... more A recurring theme amongst policymakers and researchers concerned with social innovation is how to increase its social impact, or replicate it elsewhere. This paper draws on the literature to develop a typology of strategies for scaling social impact. It then uses a Danish Case study of an innovative social enterprise to examine the rationale for strategic choices, and issues involved, when the social enterprise ambitiously scales its social impact. This experience also reveals how the strategies evolve over a number of years.
Revue internationale de l'économie sociale: Recma, 2011
** Communication présentée à la conférence du comité de recherche de l'Alliance coopérative inter... more ** Communication présentée à la conférence du comité de recherche de l'Alliance coopérative internationale avec le Cress Rhône-Alpes et l'université de Lyon, « La contribution des coopératives à une économie plurielle » (2-4 septembre 2010). Traduction de Catherine Laurent, revue par la rédaction.
Values and Opportunities in Social Entrepreneurship, 2010
This chapter is concerned with the role of religion in social entrepreneurship. It takes an insti... more This chapter is concerned with the role of religion in social entrepreneurship. It takes an institutional perspective and examines the way religious institutions and actors have supported social entrepreneurship. Max Weber has argued for the role of (Protestant) religion in motivating people to take entrepreneurial activity, leading to the rise of capitalism in the West. It has often been observed that religious groups, especially sects or minority religious groups such as Quakers or Jews, have strong links with entrepreneurial activity—there are a range of factors in the literature which help us explain this. These include in particular the place of high trust networks in facilitating entrepreneurial activity. In addition, religious institutions (through leadership discourse and institutional networks) have historically played important roles in shaping the activities of religious members and priests as well as philanthropists. This has operated through religious leadership discourse, for example papal encyclicals orienting priests to support economic solutions to poverty and social problems in their communities, and the direct action of individual priests, institutional development (networks/organizations) and local religious leaders to catalyse entrepreneurial activity. Thus these three dimensions of religious institutions (ideological discourse, networks and leadership) will be examined in relation to social entrepreneurship.
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Papers by Roger Spear