Dynamic Capabilities of Social Enterprises: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis and Future Agenda

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present the significant dynamic capabilities (DCs) that facilitate the development of social enterprises (SEs). The paper synthesises the findings of identified seven qualitative studies to provide a conceptual framework for the interaction of various factors and DCs that lead to the achievement of dual-mission goals of SEs. The study recognises the capabilities of SEs that contribute towards the enhancement of their capacities to sense opportunities, seise opportunities, and reconfigure their resource base. In this paper, the authors have employed a meta-synthesis approach that involves the eight-step meta-synthesis method proposed by Hoon. The findings of this study emphasise various DCs of SEs that enable them to achieve continuous social improvement and socio-economic success. It also brings forth the critical factors that enable the development of DCs in SEs. The study will benefit the social entrepreneurs as well as academicians to acknowledge the significance of DCs in SEs, which will assist them in managing resources in their pursuit of dual-mission goals. This study contributes to the debate in the social entrepreneurship (SE) literature regarding developing the theory of DCs in SEs. Furthermore, the factors identified in this study as enablers for developing DCs in SEs have not been discussed in prior research.

Keywords:

• Meta-synthesis
• micro-foundations
• dynamic capabilities
• social enterprises
• social entrepreneurship

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.