Title: An exploratory study on the key success factors for social enterprises

Authors: Ming-Hsien Yang; Ji-Tsung Bem Wu; Tzu-Yi Kao; Hsiu-Fen Cheng

Addresses: Department of Information Management, Fu Jen Catholic University, 510 Zhongzheng Rd., Xinzhuang Dist., New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan. ' Department of Information Management, Fu Jen Catholic University, 510 Zhongzheng Rd., Xinzhuang Dist., New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan. ' Graduate Institute of Business Administration, Fu Jen Catholic University, 510 Zhongzheng Rd., Xinzhuang Dist., New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan. ' Department of Information Management, WuFeng University, No. 117, Sec. 2, Chiankuo Rd., Minhsiung, Chiayi County 62153, Taiwan

Abstract: This study aims to find out how to successfully operate a social enterprise making optimum use of social problem-solving capabilities and revenues management strategies. Specifically, this study seeks to identify the key success factors for managing social enterprises and to provide strategies for operating these social enterprises. A theoretical framework based on a review of literature is presented herein, using the case study method to illustrate the proposed framework. Three well-known cases in Taiwan are studied. The study results indicate that there are six key success factors for social enterprises: social mission and goals; social entrepreneurs' ability and personality; organisational preparation; innovative strategy of resource activation; competitive product and service; financial operations; and risk management. The results can serve as practical guides for the operation of social enterprises. Moreover, the current study can give researchers insights into categorising key success factors of social enterprises that are prevalent in the 21st century.

Keywords: social enterprises; corporate social responsibility; CSR; critical success factors; CSFs; revenue management; problem solving capabilities; Taiwan; social entrepreneurship.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRM.2012.050401

International Journal of Revenue Management, 2012 Vol.6 No.3/4, pp.258 - 273

Published online: 17 Nov 2012 *

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