scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question
Author

Sonia J. Toson

Bio: Sonia J. Toson is an academic researcher from Kennesaw State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Sociology & Sociocultural evolution. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 4 publications receiving 14 citations.

Papers
More filters
Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the utility and viability of low-profit limited-liability companies (L3C) in the USA were analyzed. But, the authors did not address the legal aspects of the L3C form and its suitability for social entrepreneurs.
Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to challenge the notion that low-profit limited liability companies (L3Cs) are an ineffective or flawed choice of entity for social entrepreneurs. Most of the literature surrounding L3Cs has been critical of the form; however, a detailed analysis shows that the form is not only still viable but also, in fact, experiencing growth. Design/methodology/approach This paper utilizes key literature and an analysis of current L3C activity in the USA to provide a unique viewpoint on the utility and viability of L3Cs in the USA. Findings Analysis demonstrates that despite criticisms throughout the legal community, the L3C is experiencing recent growth and continues to be a viable choice of entity for social entrepreneurs. Practical implications This piece fills a significant gap in the literature surrounding L3Cs. Much has been written about L3Cs in the legal academy, but analysis is scarce when reviewing management and entrepreneurship literature. Originality/value This piece furthers the literature by providing the business academy with an in-depth analysis of the legal components of L3Cs and draws research-based conclusions about the state of the form and its viability for social entrepreneurs. It is unique in that it challenges the prevailing legal opinion that the L3C form is useless and unnecessary.

12 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article , the authors examine the practical application of traditional theories such as transformational and servant leadership in relation to the social identity of Black women leaders and conclude that sociocultural frameworks are needed within leadership development programs to support black women leaders.
Abstract: The Problem Although relevant to some leaders, existing leadership theories and frameworks lack sociocultural support for Black women leaders. Furthermore, despite its roots in developing people, the field of human resource development (HRD) has historically taken a hegemonic approach that does not support the leadership development of Black women. Current research in the field is limited in its application of sociocultural perspectives of leadership that explain the dilemmas of Black women leaders. This is a critical deficiency that is exacerbated in times of crises. The Solution We examine the practical application of traditional theories such as transformational and servant leadership in relation to the social identity of Black women leaders. We propose a conceptual development framework that considers the foundations of transformational and servant leadership but applies a sociocultural lens that better aligns with the needs of the Black women leaders. We further conclude that sociocultural frameworks are needed within leadership development programs to support Black women leaders. The Stakeholders HRD practitioners and researchers, Black women leaders in the workforce, and organizational leaders.

1 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors proposed a conceptual development framework that considers the foundations of transformational and servant leadership but applies a sociocultural lens that better aligns with the needs of the Black women leaders.
Abstract: Although relevant to some leaders, existing leadership theories and frameworks lack sociocultural support for Black women leaders. Furthermore, despite its roots in developing people, the field of human resource development (HRD) has historically taken a hegemonic approach that does not support the leadership development of Black women. Current research in the field is limited in its application of sociocultural perspectives of leadership that explain the dilemmas of Black women leaders. This is a critical deficiency that is exacerbated in times of crises. We examine the practical application of traditional theories such as transformational and servant leadership in relation to the social identity of Black women leaders. We propose a conceptual development framework that considers the foundations of transformational and servant leadership but applies a sociocultural lens that better aligns with the needs of the Black women leaders. We further conclude that sociocultural frameworks are needed within leadership development programs to support Black women leaders. HRD practitioners and researchers, Black women leaders in the workforce, and organizational leaders.

1 citations

01 Jan 2014
TL;DR: In this article, a survey was conducted to identify the existing and required skills and competencies for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) managers and supervisors and nine core competencies were finalized for the GDOT managers' and supervisors' curriculum.
Abstract: Public agencies like the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) are continually challenged with reduced staff levels, reduced budgets, increased workloads and expectations for services provided. In addition, the current economic and political environments and complex accountability systems create unique management and leadership challenges. Response to these demands requires a well-informed and coordinated team that includes professionals, supervisors, technicians, lead workers, and workers led by an able leader or supervisor. The development of a true leader or supervisor to address current problems and issues requires frequent training and interaction. To thrive and become successful, individuals must possess a blend of hard, soft, analytical and problem solving skills along with self-awareness, policy sophistication, and systems-focus. Such skills are not built overnight. The goal of this research is to develop a training curriculum and courses for GDOT managers and supervisors and make them perform better under challenging situations. A survey was conducted to identify the existing and required skills and competencies for the GDOT managers and supervisors. After reviewing and analyzing the results, nine core skills and competencies were finalized for the GDOT managers’ and supervisors’ curriculum. In this research project, new course modules were developed for eight core skills and competencies. They include: Leadership and leadership skills; Motivating employees; Negotiation and conflict resolution; Decision making and problem solving; Managing for quality; Strategic management - linking performance plans to organizational goals; Team building and group productivity; and Ethics for state employees. All the developed course modules were taught in an instructor-led class setting and were revised based on the participants’ feedback.

Cited by
More filters
Journal ArticleDOI
15 Sep 2017-Energy
TL;DR: In this paper, a range of existing and emerging options for financing renewable electricity are discussed, and the United States is used as a reference case study for renewable electricity finance in the context of renewable energy technologies.

45 citations

Posted Content
TL;DR: In the first decade of this century, organizational law is beginning to catch up with the boundary-blurring trend as discussed by the authors, and several U.S. states' low-profit limited liability company (L3C) and the community interest company (CIC) in England and Wales are creating new forms for blended enterprise.
Abstract: The image of nonprofit and for-profit as dual and exclusive categories is misleadingly simple. This blurring of the boundary between for-profit and nonprofit has gone on for years and appears only to be gaining steam. Yet, traditionally, the law has put organizations to a choice of either the nonprofit or for-profit form of governance. In the first decade of this century, organizational law is beginning to catch up with the boundary-blurring trend. Legislatures are creating new forms for blended enterprise, including several U.S. states’ low-profit limited liability company (the “L3C”) and the community interest company (the “CIC “) in England and Wales. Along with these more formal efforts, at least one self-regulatory scheme provides a framework to fashion a blended form (the “B Corporation”) under traditional state for-profit corporation law. This article describes and compares these forms, evaluating whether they can enhance the governance and finance of blended enterprise.

23 citations

01 Jan 2019
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated what motivates local governments to promote social enterprises and how effective their efforts are, and they found that the fiscal constraints on local governments are the driving force behind their promotion of social enterprises, and their efforts to support social enterprises are effective.
Abstract: This paper aims to advance our knowledge of the relationship between social enterprise and local government. As social enterprise lies at the crossroads of government, market, and civil society, dynamic interactions exist between all actors. While governments play an important role in developing social enterprises, so far scholars have paid little attention to the role of local governments in the social enterprise ecosystem. To help fill this research gap, this paper investigates what motivates local governments to promote social enterprises and how effective their efforts are. Applying resource dependence theory, we test two hypotheses: (i) the fiscal constraints on local governments are the driving force behind their promotion of social enterprises, and (ii) their efforts to support social enterprises are effective. Using the data of 223 South Korean local governments over the 2011-2017 period and applying event history analysis and fixedeffects models, we find that there is mixed evidence for fiscal constraints being the reason local governments promote social enterprise―it depends on which fiscal constraint measures and dependent variables are being analysed. But we find evidence that local governmental efforts to promote social enterprises are effective.

8 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the relationship between social enterprise and local government is discussed and the authors aim to advance our knowledge of the relationship and knowledge of social enterprise in the context of government, market, and civil society.
Abstract: This paper aims to advance our knowledge of the relationship between social enterprise and local government. As social enterprise lies at the crossroads of government, market, and civil society, dy...

8 citations