Purpose This study aims to examine how collective dimensions manifest and operate in worker cooperatives with strong collaborative orientations, analyzing the dynamic tension between structured processes and emergent adaptations in their collaborative practices. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative two-phase design was implemented with ten Aragonese cooperatives from Spain’s Alternative and Solidarity Economy Network (REAS). Phase one comprised semistructured interviews with cooperative representatives, while phase two involved a focus group with 6 participants to validate and deepen initial findings. Findings Four collective dimensions were identified operating as adaptive systems: collective intelligence, collective leadership (reconceptualized as shared governance), collective action and collective impact. These dimensions enable organizations to navigate between formal structures and emergent responses while maintaining collaborative principles. The study reveals how cooperatives develop specific organizational capabilities to manage inherent tensions in collaborative processes. Research limitations/implications The sample is limited to worker cooperatives in Aragón, Spain, potentially restricting generalizability. However, findings contribute to interorganizational collaboration theory by demonstrating how collective dimensions operate as integrated systems rather than isolated elements. Practical implications The research documents specific strategies for navigating structure-emergence tensions, developing shared governance systems and creating impact evaluation frameworks that recognize both external results and internal transformations. Social implications The study demonstrates how alternative organizational forms can maintain economic viability while preserving transformative principles, offering insights for social economy development. Originality/value This research provides empirical evidence of how collective dimensions operate in practice, contrasting theoretical frameworks with organizational realities. It identifies the critical importance of contextual factors like territorial embeddedness and emotional-relational aspects previously underexplored in interorganizational collaboration literature.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how social enterprises build local infrastructures of care and (re)compose social value in contexts marked by institutional voids in Brazil’s Northeast. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative, multiple case study of five ventures operating in health, education, environment and agriculture. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field visits and documentary evidence and analyzed via within- and cross-case coding to surface convergent and divergent patterns. Findings Across cases, ventures articulate clear social missions and deliver tailored services (e.g. disease awareness, arts-based education, recycling logistics and family-farming commercialization). They compensate for weak formal institutions through bricolage, partnerships, voluntarism and frugal infrastructure. Despite scarce funding, regulatory hurdles and limited facilities, organizations report tangible social value – improved access to services, dignified work, women’s leadership and community well-being – while identifying infrastructure and stable public support as critical bottlenecks. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study stem from a small, regional sample; future research should expand cases, triangulate with beneficiary outcomes and examine longitudinal effects. Practical implications Managers and funders can amplify impact by investing in basic infrastructure and multi-year funding. The findings also provide a roadmap for policymakers to design more effective support mechanisms for social ventures. Social implications Strengthening CSO–state collaboration can institutionalize care practices and scale inclusive development, offering a pathway to address systemic social problems. Originality/value This study advances a care-centric view of social value creation by showing how grassroots organizing functions as infrastructure where the state and markets underperform. This study integrates institutional-voids and social-entrepreneurship lenses to propose mechanisms – mission clarity, local embedding and networked resource mobilization – through which ventures recombine resources into durable care arrangements.

Purpose This case study aims to trace a transdisciplinary development process in the context of social welfare that – taking a novel approach – addresses the issue where client’s rights and obligations to participate in the planning of personal and economic assistance come up against communication barriers. Design/methodology/approach Content analysis of conversation observations, documents and interviews with social workers and social assistance beneficiaries from four services allowed to identify potential development topics. Visual materials on 10 jointly selected topics were then developed in an iterative and co-creative process drawing on the expertise, experience and ideas of social service managers, social workers, clients of social services, a national umbrella organisation and – on the research side – social work and visual communication design. Findings From an innovation-specific perspective, the case study allows for discussion of topics such as development alongside day-to-day business, gatekeeping of professionals or the challenges of service user participation. Furthermore, the case analysis highlights key aspects relating to contextual conditions and the promotion of social innovation therein. Originality/value The present case study allows conclusions to be drawn about the challenges facing transdisciplinary innovation in a public, administratively structured and highly regulated area of human services and how these can be addressed. In addition to the potential for disruptions within the process, it is clear that creative endeavours can flourish through adequate funding, knowledge-based collaboration, planning that is closely aligned with the realities of the field, flexibility and a collective openness to learning.

Purpose Community-based social enterprises (CBSEs) face distinctive challenges in creating hybrid values within localised contexts. While intermediaries – specialist organisations mediating transactions and interactions – are crucial actors in supporting social enterprises (SEs), their contributions to CBSEs remain underexplored. This paper aims to examine the roles of intermediaries in supporting the development of CBSEs in China and Japan, where the SE sector has evolved under distinct yet complementary contexts. In addition, it aims to elucidate how intermediaries supporting CBSEs differ from those assisting SEs more generally. Design/methodology/approach This research draws on ecological system theory (EST) and institutional logic theory, allowing for a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of intermediaries. The authors conducted eight qualitative case studies with a comparative perspective, collecting data through semi-structured interviews, documents and field observations. Afterwards, thematic analysis was pursued to analyse the data. Findings The findings reveal that, in both countries, intermediaries serve as “external enablers” for CBSEs, playing a crucial role in facilitating and mediating across multiple systems. While intermediaries differ in their incorporation and approaches, community logic – an institutional logic informed by local context – guides their strategic pursuit. Originality/value This paper provides empirical evidence on the understudied role of intermediaries in Asian contexts, particularly those supporting CBSEs. The authors highlight two theoretical contributions. First, this research extends the application of EST. Second, it develops the theoretical discussion on community logic and the territoriality of intermediaries.

Purpose This study aims to comparatively analyze how generalist and specialized incubators in Brazil and Portugal deal with the paradox of hybridity, address institutional gaps, and adapt their services in the incubation process of Social Businesses (SBs). Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study used content analysis of 12 semi-structured interviews and documents from six incubators in each country, selected through purposeful sampling. Deductive coding and Atlas.ti software were used for data analysis. Findings Generalist incubators provide a broader range of services, though often generic and based on standardized logics (e.g. the CERNE model). Specialist incubators adopt adaptive and territorial approaches, offering services more closely aligned with SBs’ needs. Divergences were identified in selection criteria (innovation vs. impact), incubation duration (up to 2 years in Brazil, up to 4 in Portugal), and support for different hybrid typologies. Policies such as PIS 2030 (Portugal) mitigate institutional voids, while in Brazil challenges remain regarding access to capital and regulation. Research limitations/implications The sample was limited to 12 incubators and did not include the perspectives of incubated entrepreneurs. Practical implications The study recommends the creation of modular incubation pathways for SBs, the fostering of international partnerships, and the development of hybrid impact metrics. Social implications The findings highlight the strategic role of incubators in promoting ventures that balance social mission and financial sustainability, contributing to the reduction of institutional voids and the strengthening of social innovation ecosystems. Originality/value This study proposes a Three-Dimensional Analytical Model (Context, Incubator Typology, Incubation Process) to better understand the effectiveness of support for SBs.

Purpose This study aims to analyze the legislative frameworks governing the Community Interest Companies in the UK and social enterprises in South Korea, drawing comparative lessons to formulate recommendations for key legislative elements for the Malaysian legislature and other countries seeking to support this growing sector. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the doctrinal legal studies approach known as the black letter approach, to interpret and analyze the legal frameworks of the UK and South Korea. A thorough legal analysis was undertaken to consider the lessons specifically applicable to the Malaysian legislature. Based on this analysis, recommendations are proposed specifically for the Malaysian legislature and, more generally, for other jurisdictions. Findings The study revealed that both the UK and South Korea use unique methodologies in recognizing and regulating the social enterprise sector demonstrating that no single “one-size-fits-all” approach. The effectiveness of a specific legal form or legal certification depends on, among other matters, the legal and social enterprise landscape of a given country. These two frameworks offer valuable learning opportunities for Malaysia, and other jurisdictions regarding the key elements of social enterprise legislation. Originality/value This paper addresses the research gap on social enterprise regulation by comparatively analyzing the UK and South Korean frameworks. Considering the Malaysian context, the paper formulates recommendations regarding the key elements of legal frameworks for social enterprise. It contributes to the field by exploring both approaches – creating a specific legal form and conferring legal certification – and identifying key legislative elements and providing practical guidance for legislature.

Purpose Using an integrated framework of the Entrepreneurial Event Model and the Stimulus–Organism–Response theory, this study aims to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI)-driven stimulus [Generative AI (ChatGPT) adoption in digital social entrepreneurship] affects individuals’ cognitive processes (perceived feasibility and perceived desirability), which subsequently influence their behavioral intentions (digital social entrepreneurial intention). Design/methodology/approach This research used a stratified sampling method to survey 986 higher education students in Vietnam. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. Findings The results indicate that GenAI (ChatGPT) adoption in digital social entrepreneurship significantly enhances both perceived feasibility and perceived desirability. These cognitive perceptions are positively associated with intentions to engage in digital social entrepreneurship. In addition, this study finds that GenAI (ChatGPT) adoption in digital social entrepreneurship poses a serial indirect effect on digital social entrepreneurial intention through a perceived feasibility–perceived desirability path. Practical implications The findings provide actionable recommendations for aspiring students (potential future entrepreneurs), educators and policymakers to foster the use of AI technologies in promoting digital social entrepreneurship. Originality/value This study offers substantial theoretical contributions by merging the Entrepreneurial Event Model and the Stimulus–Organism–Response framework. Thus, it advances the extant understanding of the cognitive mechanisms driving digital social entrepreneurial decision-making in the context of AI adoption. This research addresses a critical gap and establishes a foundation for future theoretical advancements in digital social entrepreneurship and AI integration.

Purpose This paper aims to extend the understanding of how impact measurement capability can be fostered among social enterprises. It presents empirical insights from a novel experience of developing a cloud-based outcomes and impact measurement and reporting platform for and with small to medium social enterprises in Australia. Design/methodology/approach The paper is guided by a situated learning theory lens and draws on thematic analysis of data collected from co-design and action research that underpinned the technology development. Findings Learning and practice benefits were observed in the co-design process of the platform development, as participants brought diverse expertise to the process, interacted, shared knowledge and practice and diffused learning from the process to other communities of practice within their organisational and operating settings. At the same time, the technology-led solution acted as a boundary object around which its co-developers interacted and navigated different practices and perspectives among researchers, social entrepreneurs and technologists. Additionally, the development of the platform reinforced the limitations of seeking universalised responses to highly diverse organisational and ecosystem needs. Originality/value The paper contributes to understanding the relational domain of social impact measurement for social enterprises in a learning process and brings empirical insights from co-designing and co-creating technology solutions for social impact measurement with social enterprises.

PurposeThis article aims to explore the growing adoption of social impact measurement (SIM) among French Social and Solidarity Economy Organizations (SSEOs) in the context of a global drive for accountability. It examines the evolution of SIM, its implications, risks and methodological challenges. Key themes include the transition from “social utility” to “social impact,” the emergence of an impact-driven market, and concerns about the limitations of standardized measurement models. The paper calls for a diverse approach to evaluation, aiming to preserve the unique identities of SSEOs and promote innovation.Design/methodology/approachThis comprehensive literature review, covering both academic and grey literature, explores the evolution of SIM in French SSEOs. It focuses on regulatory frameworks, stakeholder engagement and methodological principles to provide a thorough understanding of the implications and potential risks.FindingsThe findings highlight a major shift in public policy instruments, driven by the growing adoption of SIM within French SSEOs. While SIM methods offer opportunities, they also pose risks, such as the commodification of social impact, the rise of isomorphic practices and an overemphasis on performativity.Research limitations/implicationsThe research implications emphasize the need to recognize how SIM affects the organizational identity of SSEOs and to foster discussions on alternative evaluation methods. A limitation of the study is its focus on French SSEOs, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other contexts within the broader social economy sector.Practical implicationsThe article provides valuable insights for policymakers, SSEOs and stakeholders on the role of SIM in the French social economy. It advocates for critical evaluation and policy alignment to improve the sector’s overall effectiveness.Social implicationsThe social implications involve gaining a deeper understanding of how SIM practices affect the identity and operations of French SSEOs. By emphasizing risks such as commodification and isomorphic trends, the article encourages reflection on the broader societal impacts.Originality/valueThe article’s originality stems from its thorough exploration of SIM’s evolution within French SSEOs. Its value lies in shedding light on the complex relationship between SIM adoption, organizational identity and societal values, thereby encouraging informed decision-making and deeper discourse within the SSEOs landscape.

PurposeThis paper aims to understand how fashion-based social enterprises (FSEs) navigate the marketing communications of fashion products alongside those of their social mission. The authors use the theoretical lens of Consumer culture theory, Collin Campbell’s “Romantic ethic” and the work of Eva Illouz to explore how FSEs weave the emotional appeals of fashion consumption with those of contributing to a greater social cause. The melding of these theoretical approaches to consumer behaviour enables a thorough analysis of FSE marketing strategies.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 founders, marketing directors and managers of FSEs. Open-ended questions were used, and key themes were established through inductive analysis.FindingsThe findings show that FSEs use a form of brand storytelling in their marketing communications; they view their social mission as a unique selling point; FSEs could further incorporate product quality/aesthetic value into brand storytelling; and they could sharpen brand storytelling by further engaging with the positive emotional responses they elicit from consumers.Originality/valueThis research has both theoretical and practical implications in that FSEs that focus on explicit altruistic messaging at the expense of aesthetic hedonism may limit their appeal to mainstream fashion consumers. Accordingly, a promising approach may be to effectively incorporate and link the positive emotional responses of both altruistic and aesthetic value. This approach could similarly apply to other areas of social enterprise retail marketing, particularly for those seeking to attract consumers beyond ethical shoppers.