Social enterprise governance as strategy work

This project explores how social enterprises govern the tension between their social and business goals. Data were collected through interviews, observation and document review. The research found that social enterprises govern their inherent tension through strategic responses intended to maximise funds available for community contributions. An interest in increasing business profitability resulted in social enterprises measuring business performance but not social performance. This can compromise overall performance. This research provides insight into the indivisibility of social and business goals and, therefore, the need to measure and perform towards both business and social goals, with measurement being the first step.