Hybrid Organizational Culture: The Case of Social Enterprises

Abstract

In order to deepen the understanding of how social enterprises manage the tension between considerations of profit and well-being, the organizations were examined through theories from the field of organizational culture. In this article, research findings that indicate the unique characteristics of the organizational culture in WISE organizations are presented. The findings elicit two organizational models that depict the interface between the business and social orientations. Additionally, a model was developed to present parameters that support a hybrid organizational culture, which include: the vision of the entrepreneur, a hybrid staff, complementary practices, interorganizational relationships, and characteristics of a ‘learning organization’.

Keywords:

• Hybrid organizations
• social enterprises
• organizational culture
• WISE organizations
• management

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.