Empirical research on how institutional differences affect the relationship between social performance and strategy

2023 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 22KK0214
• Research Institution: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
• Principal Investigator: ALCANTARA L.L. 立命館アジア太平洋大学, 国際経営学部, 教授 (10584021)
• Project Period (FY): 2023 – 2025
• Keywords: social enterprise / hybrid organization / institutions

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

This research project investigates the relationships between social performance and institutional factors in the context of B corps. It expands the limited scope of existing studies on B Corps by conducting a cross-country analysis of B Corps. In doing so, this project aims to advance the literature of B corps as an international phenomenon and provide empirical evidence on the behavioral theory of social performance, which has received little attention from scholars due to the lack of consistent and reliable measures of social performance across countries. In FY 2023, the Principal Investigator (PI) conducted a literature review on B Corps, uncovering a total of 91 relevant studies. The initial findings from this review confirmed several crucial points (1) a notable gap exists in the literature regarding cross-country analyses of B Corps, (2) while existing studies emphasize B Corps’ dual commitment to economic and social performance goals, there is a dearth of research specifically investigating the social performance goals of B Corps, (3) the predominant focus of studies has been on exploring the motivations behind obtaining B Corp certification, and (4) the literature has focused on the impact of B Corp certification on the performance of B Corps and rather than their impact on their stakeholders.

Current Status of Research Progress

2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.

Reason

As originally planned, the PI was able to conduct the literature review on B Corps of which findings were indicated in the summary. In addition, the PI has refined the research schedule and confirmed host institutions for overseas research activities. A first set of interviews has been scheduled to take place in June 2024.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

In FY2024, the PI will focus on two tasks. The first task is to complete the literature review on B Corps. This will help further develop the research questions and refine the research design of the project. The second task is to conduct a field work, conducting an in-depth interviews of B Corp practitioners in the US, South Korea, UK and Taiwan. The field work will provide insights on how institutional factors influence B Corps management, operation, and impact.