Title: Delineating the concept of corporate social innovation: toward a multidimensional model

Authors: Ayla Esen; Ceyda Maden-Eyiusta

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Altinbas University, Mahmutbey Dilmenler Cad. No. 26 Bagcilar Istanbul, Turkey ' Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Kadir Has University, Kadir Has Cad. Cibali Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract: Business organisations are facing increasing pressure over their role in society. Social innovation is a relatively new concept used to define efforts to develop novel and innovative solutions to social challenges. The aim of this study is to conceptualise a novel form of social innovation, namely, 'corporate social innovation', by focusing on social innovation efforts initiated by private sector organisations. This study also aims to provide insight into: 1) the definition of corporate social innovation; 2) the key dimensions underlying the social innovation capability of business organisations. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 experts who play an active role in various social innovation projects in their respective organisations and/or adopt social innovation as an academic field of interest. The interview results extend our conceptual understanding of the corporate social innovation phenomenon by providing a comprehensive definition of the concept and describing a six-factor model of corporate social innovation capability.

Keywords: corporate social innovation; CSI; social innovation; corporate social innovation capability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2019.096497

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2019 Vol.23 No.1, pp.23 - 45

Accepted: 27 Dec 2016
Published online: 05 Dec 2018 *

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