Exploring How Social Enterprises Engaged Their Stakeholders During the Pandemic

Date of Award

5-1-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Sustainability Management

First Advisor

Ma. Assunta C. Cuyegkeng, PhD

Abstract

Social enterprises face unique challenges that were intensified further by the COVID-19 pandemic. The complexity of these challenges arises from their hybrid nature, as well as the different actors and interrelationships occurring within their ecosystems. These ecosystem actors can be viewed as stakeholders that social enterprises can engage using a variety of approaches, in order to achieve sustainable and mutually beneficial goals.

The study utilizes a multiple case study approach in order to analyze themes arising from interviews of seven leaders of different social enterprises in the Philippines. Results show that the social mission of SEs and personal qualities of their leaders affect their decisions to address challenges and maximize opportunities during the crisis. Various stakeholder engagement approaches were used by SEs to either better inform their decisions or directly address their situation. With the help of enablers, the SEs’ engagement activities allowed them to become more capable of handling the crisis. Overall, these factors aided greatly in helping SEs achieve their integrated sustainability goals, concerning business performance, community development, and environmental impact. Findings from this study serve to inform other SEs on how to better navigate through crisis situations, especially in light of the different actors and stakeholders within their ecosystems. It also brings to light the value of personal characteristics that SE leaders possess, which helped them better adapt to the complications brought about by the pandemic.

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