Motivations and challenges behind the internationalization of social enterprises
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2025-02-20
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Barki, Edgard Elie Roger
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The research explores the motives behind the internationalization of social enterprises (SE), contributing to the academic discussion on their global expansion. Revising traditional internationalization theories focus on profit-driven motives, this study highlights the distinct nature of SEs, which prioritize expanding social impact alongside economic sustainability. Using qualitative methodology, data was collected through interviews with fourteen social enterprises operating internationally, offering diverse insights into their experiences across different markets. The findings reveal that SEs are motivated by their mission to amplify social impact, the increase of their customer base, the encouragement of partnerships and networks, market opportunities, and the influence of founders' global awareness and values. However, the study also underscores significant challenges faced by SEs during internationalization. Financial constraints, policy inconsistencies, and the complexity of balancing social and economic objectives appear as critical barriers. These challenges are further intensified by institutional voids in developing markets and cultural adaptation demands in foreign contexts. By bridging gaps in traditional international business frameworks, this research enriches the understanding of how SEs navigate the dual demands of mission-driven operations and global scalability. The study offers practical contributions for SEs, policymakers, and supportive organizations, encouraging for personalized strategies and frameworks that enhance the internationalization process while preserving social missions. It also highlights the need for further research to explore the interplay of institutional environments, cultural factors, and pro-social motivations in shaping the global strategies of SEs.