How to be a Catalyst for Change
19 March 2009
As the government announces that social enterprises will be at the heart of the new economy, a new book written by leading researchers from LJMU aims to be the definitive ‘how to’ guide for managers in this rapidly growing sector.
Management for Social Enterprise, published this week by SAGE, is the first title of its kind to offer support to managers in social enterprises.
The Social Enterprise sector, comprising organisations whose profits are reinvested in the business to achieve their social mission, is set for significant growth. Social enterprises have also been receiving unprecedented attention and support from governments internationally, with current policy viewing them as vital to a strong mixed economy.
Bob Doherty, co-author and Senior Lecturer in Social Enterprise & Corporate Responsibility at LJMU, commented: “Social enterprises can have impacts far beyond their sector. Fairtrade chocolate, for instance, is now being produced by mainstream brands. That’s a direct response to social enterprise products. To get to that point, however, you often have to challenge the status quo. Breaking into those markets – even getting an interview with a supermarket – can feel like David against Goliath. That’s why social enterprise takes courage and determination – people who lead radical changes can be seen as controversial to begin with, and it takes a huge amount of energy to win hearts and minds. But when a team shares a passion for something, it’s amazing what can be achieved.”
As well as money, however, managing social enterprises requires a different skills set from that used in conventional businesses. That’s why Management for Social Enterprise provides a comprehensive exploration of how to apply – and adapt – conventional management theory to social enterprises, with international case-studies and real-life business examples.
Sophi Tranchell, managing director of Fairtrade-endorsed Divine Chocolate, commented: “This is just what the rapidly growing social enterprise sector needs: a management manual to help us take social enterprises to the next level by people who have hands on experience.”
Managing Social Enterprises by Bob Doherty, George Foster, Chris Mason, John Meehan, Karon Meehan, Neil Rotheroe, and Maureen Royce is published by SAGE.
For further information visit the SAGE website.
