Abstract

This study draws on the experience of a Ukrainian organisation that is registered as an NGO, although in part it is a social enterprise. Prior to 2022, it heavily relied on the initiatives of its leaders who actively sought various projects and occasionally partnered with other parties, such as international organisations working in Ukraine, for the purpose of implementing a specific project. This resulted in a broad range of projects ranging from providing training for aspiring entrepreneurs to running Schools of Peace for children, aiming to promote non-violence and acceptance of diversity. Although a broad range of projects created social value by enhancing diversity and promoting inclusion, the organisation viewed itself as an entity that was lacking legitimacy due to its lack of focus and funding, as well as lack of long-term partnerships. The paper investigates what methods this NGO used to rectify the problem, pursuing the goal of enhancing its legitimacy as a social enterprise, and whether its novel organisational arrangements have been successful. Drawing on the interview data, findings show that the organisation adopted the collaborative governance framework for addressing the needs of deprived populations and communities across Ukraine. An organisation’s newly adopted model can be described as intense engagement with multiple partners for both sourcing and implementing projects, such as helping individuals with disabilities to get meaningful employment. Findings also show that a shift to collaborative governance has greatly contributed to promotion of diversity and inclusion, although concerns about NGO’s legitimacy and credibility remain.

Presenters

Nikolai Mouraviev
Senior Lecturer in Business and Management, Division of Accounting, Business and Management, Abertay University, Angus, United Kingdom

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Community Diversity and Governance

KEYWORDS

Social Enterprise, Collaborative Governance, Social Value, Legitimacy, Deprived Populations

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