A New Model: The role of the for-benefit corporation in Canada
May, Cheryl (2017) A New Model: The role of the for-benefit corporation in Canada. [MRP]
Item Type: | MRP |
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Creators: | May, Cheryl |
Abstract: | The role of the for-benefit corporate model could be central to Canada’s social innovation ecosystem. This paper investigates how legislated for-benefit models could pave the way for social enterprises to transform how Canadians address social needs and solve social problems. Design thinking and systemic design inform the research framework. A four-phase design cycle guides the research, with phases dedicated to analogous inspiration, documenting results, conducting analysis, and considering implementation. A comparison of corporate features places Canada’s social enterprise activities in the context of the United Kingdom and the United States. In-person interviews, an online questionnaire, and a survey of social entrepreneurs indicate that respondents, while mindful of the risks posed by getting the model wrong, are overwhelmingly positive about the for-benefit form. Comments reflecting the input of 75 respondents illuminate how the for-benefit corporate model can meet Canada’s social enterprise aspirations. Research results reveal barriers to moving forward with a for-benefit model in Canada and frame two problems associated with those barriers. The paper concludes with recommendations, intended to inform the design of a system that will move social entrepreneurs and social enterprise into the mainstream and support the next stage of social innovation. |
Date: | December 2017 |
Uncontrolled Keywords: | Benefit Corporation, Design Thinking, Dual Purpose Corporation, Community Interest Company, Community Contribution Company, For-benefit, Corporations, Hybrid Structure, Social Enterprise, Social Innovation, Systemic Design |
Divisions: | Graduate Studies > Strategic Foresight and Innovation |
Related URLs: | |
Date Deposited: | 17 Jan 2018 16:11 |
Last Modified: | 20 Dec 2021 22:45 |
URI: | https://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/2128 |
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