The programming committee for the 79th Annual SAM International Business Conference is pleased to announce the acceptance of the presentation, Unleashing the Power of Corporate Social Entrepreneurship by Michael Corbett.

We are excited to announce that an insightful academic paper titled “Unleashing the Social Entrepreneurial Spirit in Corporate Settings” will be presented at the upcoming SAM International Business Conference. This groundbreaking study delves into how companies can harness the social entrepreneurial potential of their employees, responding to the increasing demands from customers, investors, and governmental bodies worldwide for businesses to address not only the financial interests of their shareholders but also the environmental and social expectations of the broader community.

The backdrop of this research is the growing skepticism towards corporate initiatives such as CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, and the United Nations’ sustainability development goals. These initiatives, while noble in their intentions, are often criticized for seemingly asking businesses to compromise financial performance for social gains. However, the paper posits a transformative approach through corporate social entrepreneurship. This innovative concept encourages and supports employees to develop products and services that align with the company’s business goals and their social values, offering a pathway to achieving both financial success and social impact.

At the heart of the paper is an exploration of the critical question: What organizational structures and practices enable corporate social entrepreneurship? To answer this, the study leverages Structural Contingency Theory (SCT) and Hemingway’s conceptual model of CSR predisposition, drawing on a systematic review of 16 relevant and high-quality academic studies. These frameworks provide a robust theoretical foundation for developing actionable management recommendations that can drive social entrepreneurship within corporate environments.

The presentation at the SAM International Business Conference promises to offer valuable insights for business leaders, policymakers, and academics alike. It aims to challenge the prevailing narrative that businesses must choose between financial performance and social contributions. Instead, it offers a compelling vision for how companies can integrate these goals, fostering a culture of innovation and social responsibility that benefits both the business and society at large.

As we look forward to this presentation, it’s clear that the research not only contributes to the academic discourse on corporate social responsibility and entrepreneurship but also offers practical guidance for companies seeking to navigate the complexities of modern business environments. By focusing on the organizational enablers of social entrepreneurship, the study provides a roadmap for businesses ready to embrace this transformative approach, promising a future where companies can thrive while making a significant social impact.

Join us online or in person at SAMIBC 2024 and see this great presentation and many more March 19 – March 23, 2024. For registration information visit www.samnational.org/conference.