Conceptualisation of social enterprise in the UK: a contemporary perspective

Walter Mswaka

doi:10.5585/ijsm.v14i3.2259

Authors

Walter Mswaka University of Huddersfield

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5585/ijsm.v14i3.2259

Keywords:

Deprivation, Social enterprise, Sustainability, United Kingdom, Literature Review

Abstract

The concept of social enterprise is increasingly gaining academic interest worldwide and is increasingly becoming an integral component of the mainstream economies of many countries, including the Unite Kingdom. Despite persistent interest from academics, the concept is relatively underdeveloped inherently complex and there are various aspects of social enterprise that remain largely under researched compared to conventional businesses. Given the advent of globalisation and increased competition social enterprises are under pressure to provide more innovative solutions to social problems that society in the UK faces. Through a comprehensive literature review of social enterprises, this paper scrutinises the evolution of these organisations as they adapt to changes in the environment in which they operates. The discussions show a cultural shift in the conceptualisation and practice of social enterprises in the country.

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Author Biography

Walter Mswaka, University of Huddersfield

Walter joined the University in August 2007,after more than ten years’ experience of delivering business development and consultancy services in the UK and overseas. His previous appointments include:Project Co-ordinator-Social Enterprise: Barking & Dagenham CVS, London Borough ofBarking & Dagenham- Assisted in the establishment of some of the first social enterprises in the borough under the LEGI (Local Economic Growth Initiative) programme.Senior Business Adviser (Social Enterprises): Sheffield Community Enterprise Development Unit (SCEDU) –Was a catalyst in the establishment of a number of sustainable social enterprises in various thematic areas. This included supporting development of social enterprises in non-traditional high growth areas such as commercial transport and information and technology.Technical Adviser (SMEs), Seconded to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Zimbabwe. Position funded by the Government of Norway. – Established criteria for business support programmes to develop SMEs across the country.Project Co-ordinator, Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators in Zimbabwe (CIS). Successfully completed feasibility studies for the implementation of a Swedish government funded project called Applied Business Skills (ABS) programme, in Zimbabwe- Led and successfully completed a feasibility for the programme, that influenced policy towards supporting ‘O’ and ‘A’ level school leavers preparing for formal employment or entrepreneurship activities.Business Adviser (SMEs), Business Extension and Advisory Services (BESA)Qualifications:2011: University of Huddersfield – PhD (Social Enterprise Legal Structures)2008: University of Huddersfield – PCPD1993: University of Zimbabwe – BBS(Hons)