Twentieth International Conference on Knowledge, Culture, and Change in Organizations

Abstract

Related to, but distinct from, ideas of social good, social imaginaries, and social innovation, the concept of social possibility is underexplored in the research literature. Moreover, individuals, organizations, and communities experience deficits of possibility. The deficits have real and recognizable implications for agency, change, and development. The paper will share research in progress on social entrepreneurs and sustainable development organizations in Central Appalachia. The central study question concerns the extent to which agents (organizations, social entrepreneurs, change makers) broaden the scope of social possibility through specific projects and interventions, and if so, how; and in what ways does that contribute to our understanding of the role of organizations in regional development and social good? Through qualitative field research (interviews, observation) and documentary analysis, the study endeavors to inform theory related to the role of organizations in broadening the horizon, of currently available opportunities to advance more beautiful outcomes and places.