Mike Bull

Bio: Mike Bull is an academic researcher from Manchester Metropolitan University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Social economy & Social entrepreneurship. The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 41 publications receiving 1045 citations.

Understanding Social Enterprise: Theory and Practice

Abstract: PART ONE: THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES ON SOCIAL ENTERPRISE Third Sector and the Social Economy Civil Society and a Third System Organizations of the Third Sector Assessing Size, Scope and Contribution The Development of Trusts and Charities The Development of Co-Operatives and Mutual Societies Secular Associations and a Voluntary Sector The Modern Third Sector and Social Economy Implications for Social Enterprise New Public Management and the Private Sector The End of the Post-War Consensus The Effects of New Public Management Advances in Employee and Community Ownership Co-Operative Transformation of the Private Sector Defining Social Enterprise The Origins of the Language of Social Enterprise Descriptions of Social Enterprise Social Enterprise as a Spectrum of Options Cross-Sector Models of Social Enterprise and Social Capital Social Enterprise as an Activity Social and Ethical Capital Understanding Views on Social Capital Values, Ethics and Sustainability Ethical Capital as a Framework for Understanding Social Enterprise Globalization and International Perspectives The Rise of Global Capital and International Markets Social Enterprise as a Global Enterprise Social Enterprise as Opposition to Globalization PART TWO: THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISE Management Debates Outlining a Perspective on Social Enterprise Education Living the Management Debate Comparing Key Texts on Social Enterprise Management Identities and Legalities Values, Identities and Social Practices Old Legal Identities and Hegemonic Power New Legal Identities and Social Power Strategic Management and Planning Conceptualizing Strategic Management Operationalizing Strategic Management and Planning Assessing Strategic Management Performance Governance, HRM and Employee Relations Discourses on Managing People Shared Governance and HRM Concepts Recruitment, Selection and Induction Dispute Resolution Discussion of Case Studies Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship Why Leadership Matters Theories of Leadership Perspectives on Entrepreneurship Income Streams and Social Investment Theorizing Income and Investment Activities Income from Trading and Membership Gifts and Donations Loan and Equity Finance Social Investment Funds Measuring Outcomes and Impacts Performance as a Concept Social Accounting Practices SAA and SROI: Similarities and Differences Critical Perspectives on Social Accounting Implications for Social Enterprises Postscript - Social Enterprise in 2050

Challenging tensions: critical, theoretical and empirical perspectives on social enterprise

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue, which explores the concept and significance of social enterprise and social entrepreneurship internationally.Design/methodology/approach – This introductory article examines the literature that exists to date and presents an outline of some of the fundamental issues and the challenging tensions within the conceptualisation of social enterprise. The article concludes with a discussion of critical future research needs.Findings – The findings suggest that a critical perspective is required in order to add originality and value to this developing area of research.Originality/value – The papers presented raise some interesting issues about current conceptualisations of social enterprise and entrepreneurship, challenging tensions from critical, theoretical and empirical perspectives. The Special Issue seeks to expand the debate in social enterprise and bring to the fore some critical perspective in order to highlight alternative views which...

'Balance': the development of a social enterprise business performance analysis tool

Abstract: Social enterprise managers are challenged to constantly adapt to ever-changing environments; a balancing act requiring strategic reflection and analysis to achieve ongoing sustainability. Performance measurement through business analysis tools may offer organisations help in managing this process. This paper outlines the development of a sector specific business performance measurement tool - 'Balance', grounded in the business practices of social enterprises after in-depth qualitative research. Drawing on Kaplan and Norton's Balanced Scorecard, and Kolb and Fry's organisational learning cycle as the conceptual framework, the paper explains how the tool was designed. The paper analyses results of a pilot phase of 30 social enterprises utilizing the Balance tool. The research findings provide a snapshot of the business capabilities of social enterprises and by highlighting both strengths and areas where greater support may be required the research has both policy and practitioner implications. It is envisaged such a tool may therefore be a catalyst in generating stronger social businesses that capitalise on opportunities and generate change through offering viable alternatives to the private sector.

Business practices in social enterprises

Abstract: Purpose – To report the findings of a European Social Fund (ESF) financed study into the investigation and development of business practices and managerial skills in the social enterprises sector.Design/methodology/approach – The qualitative and grounded research investigation was conducted using interviews with owner/managers of 15 social enterprises in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, UK, and aimed to develop a strategic understanding of social enterprise business practices and issues and to develop baseline information to develop a management tool based on the balanced scorecard (BS) of Kaplan and Norton (1996). Develops a definition of social enterprise and presents a brief background of the post‐war development of the social enterprises sector, its recent growth and increasing competition for resources.Findings – The results indicated that social enterprises adopt varying practices, face many issues and, while many are beginning to make themselves more accountable in terms of their social value, th...

Towards an appreciation of ethics in social enterprise business models

Abstract: How can a critical analysis of entrepreneurial intention inform an appreciation of ethics in social enterprise business models? In answering this question, we consider the ethical commitments that inform entrepreneurial action (inputs) and the hybrid organisations that emerge out of these commitments and actions (outputs). Ethical theory can be a useful way to reorient the field of social enterprise so that it is more critical of bureaucratic (charitable) and market-driven (business) enterprises connected to neoliberal doctrine. Social enterprise hybrid business models are therefore reframed as outcomes of both ethical and entrepreneurial intentions. We challenge the dominant conceptualisation of social enterprise as a hybrid blend of mission and market (purpose-versus-resource) by reframing hybridity in terms of the moral choice of economic system (redistribution, reciprocity and market) and social value orientation (personal, mutual or public benefit). We deconstruct the political foundations of charitable trading activities, co-operative and mutual enterprises and socially responsible businesses by examining the rationalities (formal, social and substantive) and ethical commitments (utilitarian, communitarian, pragmatic) that underpin them. Whilst conceptual modelling of social enterprise is not new, this paper contributes to knowledge by developing a theory of social enterprise ethics based on the moral/political choices that are made by entrepreneurs (knowingly and unknowingly) when choosing between systems of economic exchange and social value orientation, then expressing it through a legal form.

Democracy and education.

Abstract: Course Description In this course, we will explore the question of the actual and potential connections between democracy and education. Our focus of attention will be placed on a critical examination of democratic theory and its implications for the civic education roles and contributions of teachers, adult educators, community development practitioners, and community organizers. We will survey and deal critically with a range of competing conceptions of democracy, variously described as classical, republican, liberal, radical, marxist, neomarxist, pragmatist, feminist, populist, pluralist, postmodern, and/or participatory. Using narrative inquiry as a means for illuminating and interpreting contemporary practice, we will analyze the implications of different conceptions of democracy for the practical work of civic education.

Economy and Society

Abstract: The four Visegrad states — Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia (until 1993 Czechoslovakia) and Hungary — form a compact area between Germany and Austria in the west and the states of the former USSR in the east. They are bounded by the Baltic in the north and the Danube river in the south. They are cut by the Sudeten and Carpathian mountain ranges, which divide Poland off from the other states. Poland is an extension of the North European plain and like the latter is drained by rivers that flow from south to north west — the Oder, the Vlatava and the Elbe, the Vistula and the Bug. The Danube is the great exception, flowing from its source eastward, turning through two 90-degree turns to end up in the Black Sea, forming the barrier and often the political frontier between central Europe and the Balkans. Hungary to the east of the Danube is also an open plain. The region is historically and culturally part of western Europe, but its eastern Marches now represents a vital strategic zone between Germany and the core of the European Union to the west and the Russian zone to the east.

Sustainable entrepreneurship and sustainability innovation: categories and interactions

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework to position sustainable entrepreneurship in relation to sustainability innovation. The framework builds on a typology of sustainable entrepreneurship, develops it by including social and institutional entrepreneurship, i.e. the application of the entrepreneurial approach towards meeting societal goals and towards changing market contexts, and relates it to sustainability innovation. The framework provides a reference for managers to introduce sustainability innovation and to pursue sustainable entrepreneurship. Methodologically, the paper develops an approach of qualitative measurement of sustainable entrepreneurship and how to assess the position of a company in a classification matrix. The degree of environmental or social responsibility orientation in the company is assessed on the basis of environmental and social goals and policies, the organization of environmental and social management in the company and the communication of environmental and social issues. The market impact of the company is measured on the basis of market share, sales growth and reactions of competitors. The paper finds conditions under which sustainable entrepreneurship and sustainability innovation emerge spontaneously. The research has implications for theory and practitioners in that it clarifies which firms are most likely under specific conditions to make moves towards sustainability innovation. The paper makes a contribution in showing that extant research needs to be expanded with regard to motivations for innovation and that earlier models of sustainable entrepreneurship need to be refined. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

The Audit Explosion

Abstract: Offers a comprehensive critique of the spread of auditing in both the public and private sectors and shows how to achieve a better balance between audits and other forms of accountability. Michael Power is Professor of Accounting at the LSE. ‘A rare attempt to stand back and question the very notion of auditing and the place it has assumed in our society.’ Financial Times