Social Enterprises’Institutional Rationale and Its Inspirations for the Modern Market Economy

摘要

This study analyzes the ways in which social enterprises contribute to society’s goals.In the new era of human development,many social problems cannot be resolved without the participation of social enterprises(SEs).The study on these enterprises is of great significance for theoretical research and practical observation.In a modern market economy,SEs have pro-social market vitality and compatibility with the market economy;their action gives a glimpse into the truth of human development.As can be seen from the socio-economic reality,numerous entrepreneurs nurture a desire to run SEs at a certain stage of their career development.The tendency of some entrepreneurs to run SEs is of great significance for this study.Social enterprises are hybrid enterprises as opposed to for-profit enterprises and SEs must address complex problems through organizational and institutional innovations.State owned enterprises(SOEs)and SEs share many topics of research and have much to learn from each other,and a key question for SOE reform is what makes SOEs efficient quasi-social enterprises.Both SOEs and SEs assume a social mandate,and their fulfillment of social responsibilities is underpinned by their economic efficiency(market competitiveness).The theoretical rationale and institutional mechanism of SEs-not least their innovation practice and formation of rules-stem from the relationship and coordination between economic and social exchanges under market-based conditions.Social enterprises focus on altruistic social exchange but need to be supported by a certain economic exchange to finance their operations.The biggest social problem for China is its failure to balance economic and social exchanges,as well as the method of reward.Research on SEs should promote the understanding of these questions and the quest for their solutions.Social enterprises may inspire more enterprises to pursue pro-social innovation and development.