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Published in:
Social Business: Defining and Situating the Concept Read chapter Read first chapter

2014 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

13. The One and the Many Sides of Social Business: A Critical Reflection

Authors : Karin Kreutzer, Stefanie Mauksch

Published in: Social Business

Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg

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Abstract

The concept of social business has inspired many people world-wide. However, also critical voices have been raised pointing to potential shortcomings of social business models. Especially because the model addresses issues highly relevant to society, it is inevitable to scrutinize its positive effects, but also the challenges involved. In this chapter, we present the four main strengths of social business in fostering positive social change, empowering marginalized groups, producing effective solutions, and defining a new role for business. We then point to four limitations and critically discuss them. Thereby, we elaborate on a set of questions regarding the reach, effects, and sustainability of social business models as well as the degree of participation they achieve. Lastly, we provide an overview of critical management challenges social businesses are facing. We conclude that if social business policies and founders take account of and engage with these challenges, the concept bears considerable potential.

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previous chapter Social Business and Poverty Alleviation: Lessons from Grameen Danone and Grameen Veolia
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Metadata
Title
The One and the Many Sides of Social Business: A Critical Reflection
Authors
Karin Kreutzer
Stefanie Mauksch
Copyright Year
2014
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Book
Social Business

Print ISBN: 978-3-642-45274-1

Electronic ISBN: 978-3-642-45275-8

Copyright Year: 2014

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-45275-8_13