The Collaborative Dynamic in Social Entrepreneurs’ Decision Making

Advancing understanding of collaborative dynamics in social entrepreneurship is vital for researchers and practitioners, and also holds a place in policy makers’ consideration around the globe. Social entrepreneurship emerges across the boundaries between the private, public and non-profit sectors. Globally the growing neoliberalism of government regulations and policies has created gaps in the provision of social goods and services, which can be addressed by a collaborative advantage or collective strength embedded in cross-sector collaboration. In the UK, there is also growing evidence that social enterprise can benefit from such collaboration, especially providing access to customers and markets. Therefore, collaborations and cross-sector partnerships are increasingly perceived as the lifeblood of social enterprises and an emerging research area with potential for theoretical development practical implications.

Existing research has shown that collaborations can improve social enterprises’ access to resources and funding, enhance social value creation, and generate greater social impact. However, there is still little research on how collaborations unfold, particularly in relation to the decision-making processes involved in these collaborative arrangements. Understanding how entrepreneurs make decisions in the context of uncertainty and ambiguity, which most social entrepreneurs suffer from, is central to explaining entrepreneurial success. Despite significant theoretical development in decision making in the general entrepreneurship literature, there is however a lack of focus on the role of “other people” in the decision-making process. This raises interesting questions about how decision-making in the context of social entrepreneurship will be affected by the collaborative dynamics between social entrepreneurs and other players across the private, public and non-profit sectors.

By exploring the collaborative dynamics in decision making in social entrepreneurship, this project will contribute to the social and general entrepreneurship literature by developing a theoretical framework on collaborative decision making in social entrepreneurship.

How to apply:
We welcome applications from highly motivated prospective students who are committed to develop outstanding research outcomes. You can apply online at www.port.ac.uk/applyonline. Please quote project code BUSM3930218 in your application form.

Applications should include:
- a full CV including personal details, qualifications, educational history and, where applicable, any employment or other experience relevant to the application
- contact details for two referees able to comment on your academic performance
- a research proposal of 1,000 words outlining the main features of a research design you would propose to meet the stated objectives, identifying the challenges this project might present and discussing how the work will build on or challenge existing research in the above field.
- proof of English language proficiency (for EU and international students)

All the above must be submitted by the 11th of February 2018.