Social enterprise : governance, impact and measurement

Anna Mdee, Isaac Lyne, Nelarine Cornelius

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Social enterprise is an important sector that is increasingly being called upon to provide not only voluntary but, increasingly, statutory services. In our critique of social enterprises, it is not our intention or desire to dismiss the importance of the work of this sector. However, we are concerned that government policy may be placing too heavy a burden of responsibility on social enterprises, and, we argue, there is a need for a more balanced consideration of the value of the sector as a tool for reducing social exclusion. It is of the utmost importance that if social enterprise is to provide meaningful solutions to social need within ‘hard to reach’ communities, it should possess the capacity to overcome fundamental structural inequalities both within these communities and also in terms of community relationships with institutions. It is our contention that this may more properly be the direct responsibility of government. We argue that the social enterprise sector needs stronger regulation whilst recognising also that enterprise is about risk taking. The appetite for risk may be suited to certain types of social enterprise, but we must consider the consequences of taking risks with essential public services. Indeed there can be an argument made for regulatory support on the basis that if community organisations are to be weaned off grants and encouraged to become financially independent and sustainable, there is a need for safety nets.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)149-153
Number of pages5
JournalEducation, Knowledge and Economy
Volume2
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008

Keywords

  • social entrepreneurship
  • social isolation
  • poverty
  • privatization
  • government policy

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