Books
Terry L. Besser, THE CONSCIENCE OF CAPITALISM: BUSINESS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO COMMUNITIES (2002).
Abstract: Exploring the notion of whether doing good is good for business, the author surveys the Iowa business community and finds that business owners and managers often act out of a sense of community spirit and a motivation to better the common good.
Marc J. Lane, Social Enterprise: Empowering Mission-Driven Entrepreneurs (2011).
Abstract (from the ABA) : Today's economy has forced many charities to cut back on their service. Charitable giving is also down, and federal and state governments are pulling back on their support of the social sector. This trend has drastically changed the business model for many nonprofit organizations, requiring them to become innovative and entrepreneurial in order to survive. Increasingly, this means engaging in "social enterprise," and defining success in terms of both financial and social returns. At the same time, many for-profit businesses are also finding they can generate significant revenue while addressing social needs. Moreover, financial incentives, tax benefits and more can be realized through social enterprise activities.
This important and timely book describes the special legal considerations lawyers must know when advising for-profit or not-for-profit entities that engage in "socially conscious" activities. From funding, organizational structure, business models, governance, and tax treatments, this book is the complete legal guide to social enterprise.
The future demands an entrepreneurial approach to business if organizations wish to survive. Social enterprise is the heart of much of that activity. If your client is involved in, or simply considering, starting a social enterprise, this book is the essential guide to successfully navigating the state and federal rules involved. It's also an important resource for nascent and seasoned social entrepreneurs, donors, investors and other stakeholders who see social enterprise as a potent tool to drive positive social change.
Thomas A. McLaughlin, NONPROFIT MERGERS AND ALLIANCES: A STRATEGIC PLANNING GUIDE (2010).
Abstract (from product description at Amazon.com): This book describes a context for nonprofit mergers and discusses the forces that shape their use. The author demonstrates that nonprofit mergers are fundamentally different from corporate mergers, that they can be of immense benefit to the community as well as the merging organizations, and that failure to merge can be disastrous for everyone. The book focuses on the concerns of the nonprofit sector: achieving the mission, retaining tax-exempt status, behaving responsibly in the community. The author shows nonprofit managers and board members how to make their way through the merger process without repeating Wall Street misbehavior. Using real-world examples and case studies, the book offers practical, step-by-step guidance through the merger process from preliminary considerations to actual implementation.
Amir N. Licht & Jordan I. Siegel, THE SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP, in Oxford Handbook of Entrepreneurship (Mark Casson & Bernard Yeung, Eds.2006).
Abstract: Entrepreneurship has always been a key factor in economic growth, innovation, and the development of firms and businesses. More recently, new technologies, the waning of the "old economy", globalization, changing cultures and popular attitudes, and new policy stances have further highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship and enterprise. Entrepreneurship is now a dynamic and expanding area of research, teaching, and debate, but there has been no standard reference work which is suitable for both established scholars and new researchers. This book fills that gap. All the major aspects of entrepreneurship are covered, including: the start-up and growth of firms, financing and venture capital, innovation, technology and marketing, women entrepreneurs, ethnic entrepreneurs, migration, small firm policy, the economic and social history of entrepreneurship. This is a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art research in entrepreneurship, written by an international team of leading scholars, and will be an essential reference for academics and policy makers, as well as being suitable for use on masters courses and doctoral programs.
Beverly Schwartz, Rippling: How Social Entrepreneurs Spread Innovation Throughout the World (2012).
Abstract (adapted from publisher): Drawing on the knowledge and experience of working with hundreds the world's top social change leaders in all fields, Beverly Schwartz presents a model for change based on five proven principles that any individual leader or organization can apply to bring about deep, lasting and systematic change. The book shows how to activate the type of change that is needed to address the critical challenges that threaten to destroy the foundations of our society and planet in these increasingly turbulent times. These actionable principles are brought to life by compelling real-life stories. Schwartz provides a road map that allows anyone to become a changemaker,
Andrew Wolk, Anand Dholakia & Kelley Kreitz, Building a Performance Measurement System: Using Data to Accelerate Social Impact (2009).
Abstract (from Amazon Product Description): If an organization is dedicated to social impact, it is challenging to evaluate progress on achieving the mission. A performance measurement system can provide an organization with the internal knowledge necessary to help accelerate the organization’s social impact, in addition to generating performance data that is increasingly required by funders.
Andrew Wolk and Kelley Kreitz, BUSINESS PLANNING FOR ENDURING SOCIAL IMPACT: A SOCIAL-ENTREPRENEURIAL APPROACH TO SOLVING SOCIAL PROBLEMS (2008).
Abstract (from publisher): This bookapplies the strategic rigor and financial savvy of traditional private-sector business planning to social problem solving. This practical guide provides an introduction to business planning for enduring social impact and leads readers through a four-step process for creating an actionable business plan. The guide is an essential tool for organizations seeking to: define organizational focus and strategy and establish a clear road map; build a financially sustainable model by creating a plan to establish reliable streams of philanthropic support, earned income, and/or in-kind resources; establish rigorous methods of measuring impact for the organization and its stakeholders; make data-driven decisions that lead to improvements to the organization and its activities; and build partnerships with stakeholders in all three sectors public, private, and nonprofit.