Research Into Social Enterprise As Innovative Combination Of Public Benefit And Business Model

Compare to the traditional non-profit organization, social enterprise become amain force in the social governance with its unique combination of public benefit andbusiness operation. Originated from the European countries, social enterprise hasovercame the difficulties among the development of traditional non-profitorganizations, responded to the commercial corporation’s needs of perusing socialresponsibilities and involved in the social governance of the government. It soonbecame the innovative outcome of public benefit and business model. The flourishingof the overseas and domestic social enterprise not only indicates its vitality, but alsoproves the feasibility of applying business model to the public benefit area. Bymaking in-depth analyses and comparison of the cases, problems can be found amongthe research between the public purpose and business operation, and then put forwardseveral solutions correspondingly.Necessity analysis: This thesis starts from the analysis of social enterprise’sbackground, and then assesses the significance of business model in four aspects:enhancing the ability of making money; expanding participants; changing theoperating method and updating the organization’s mission. Feasibility analysis: After introducing its rise, development and characteristics,social enterprise’s functions can be seen in four aspects: promoting the transition ofsocial organization; involving into the social governance; improving people’slivelihood and accelerating economic growth.Case study: This thesis chooses four social enterprise cases from both China andUK as research objects. Frist introduce them briefly, and then compare businessoperation mechanism in their independence, the way they deliver goods or services,development models, charging models and integrations.Problem finding: Problems can be found from the distinguishing and unifying ofthe public purpose and business operation. In the aspect of public purpose, socialenterprise might be facing the problems of mission deviating; expanding blindly; lowsatisfaction and integration. In the aspect of business operation, the problems mightbe generated by shortage of money; copyright dispute; lack of marketing methods andlaw. In the aspect of combination, problems existed in awareness; HR management;cooperation and governmental support. Also, three misunderstandings about socialenterprise are concluded.Solutions: As for self-perfection, social enterprise should enhance its businessefficiency; make best use of the advantages and bypass the disadvantages; strengthenits integrations; explore effective ways of expansion and communication; reinforceHR management; pay more attention to branding and corporate image. As for shapingthe environment, we should enhance its social awareness; promote mutualcooperation with business corporations, community, mass media, etc.; and cultivatesuitable market environment. The last but not least, the government should supportsocial enterprise to build an appropriate development space.