Social Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibilities

This research paper authored by Catalina Mitra Crisan and Anca Borza (2012), examines the relationship between social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the context of Cluj County, Romania.

The key findings are:
Social entrepreneurship is a real phenomenon with applicability in the current social environment of Cluj County, manifested mainly through independent organisations seeking to implement innovative practices to solve social problems.

NGOs and companies create social value using different approaches, but greater impact can be achieved through collaboration and establishing a cause-effect relationship between the two.

Companies tend to view social involvement more as an obligation rather than an act of will, with owner satisfaction and market positioning being the main drivers for CSR policies. Larger companies are more likely to invest in CSR due to greater financial resources and seeing it as a competitive advantage.

The main barriers to promoting social entrepreneurship in Romania are identified as lack of legal support, bureaucracy, and insufficient support.

This paper is an important read for CSR leaders as it provides insights into the motivations, challenges, and opportunities at the intersection of corporate social responsibility and social entrepreneurship. It highlights the potential for greater collaboration between companies and NGOs to drive social impact, while also identifying the need for a more supportive ecosystem to foster social entrepreneurship.

The findings can help CSR leaders better understand the landscape and tailor their strategies accordingly.

To read more, you’ll find the full journal article is in the Files tab.