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Context-Driven Diversification in Social Enterprises

Nachiket Bhawe and Srivardhini K Jha
Journal Name
Business & Society
Journal Publication
others
Publication Year
2024
Journal Publications Functional Area
Entrepreneurship
Publication Date
online published October 2024
Abstract

Recent work has emphasized the role of context in shaping the diversification strategies of social enterprises (SEs), but our understanding remains superficial. We identify two types of context-driven diversification strategies—market development diversification (MDD) and market functioning diversification (MFD)—depending on the type of voids being addressed. We then empirically test how these diversification strategies impact the performance of SEs on the twin dimensions of financial growth and social impact. Using a mixedmethod approach of qualitative interviews and a longitudinal database of Indian microfinance firms (MFIs), we find that while MFD positively impacts financial growth, MDD has a positive effect on social impact. Furthermore, we find that the strategic fit (or lack of it) between the SE’s legal form and the type of diversification enhances (undermines) financial growth. However, the strategic fit between the legal form and diversification choice does not amplify social impact. The study contributes to product diversification literature, which has paid limited attention to the role of context.

Context-Driven Diversification in Social Enterprises

Author(s) Name: Nachiket Bhawe and Srivardhini K Jha
Journal Name: Business & Society
Volume: online published October 2024
Year of Publication: 2024
Abstract:

Recent work has emphasized the role of context in shaping the diversification strategies of social enterprises (SEs), but our understanding remains superficial. We identify two types of context-driven diversification strategies—market development diversification (MDD) and market functioning diversification (MFD)—depending on the type of voids being addressed. We then empirically test how these diversification strategies impact the performance of SEs on the twin dimensions of financial growth and social impact. Using a mixedmethod approach of qualitative interviews and a longitudinal database of Indian microfinance firms (MFIs), we find that while MFD positively impacts financial growth, MDD has a positive effect on social impact. Furthermore, we find that the strategic fit (or lack of it) between the SE’s legal form and the type of diversification enhances (undermines) financial growth. However, the strategic fit between the legal form and diversification choice does not amplify social impact. The study contributes to product diversification literature, which has paid limited attention to the role of context.