Are social enterprises ready to help in solving societal problems?

Abstract

Purpose – The objective of the research is to determine the factors which interfere with the development of social enterprises in Lithuania. The article analyses the development of social enterprises and its tendencies, presents the management challenges which are common in the sector of social enterprises, also the article aims to show the organizational aspects of the sector, as well as the changes of the status of social enterprises in Lithuania are examined and the problems and prospects of further development are envisaged. Design/methodology/approach – The methods of the research are the following: analysis of scientific literature and legal documents, and expert interview. Findings – The research shows that implementation of management plays a significant role in successful development of social enterprises and the head managers or directors of the enterprises must comprehend that the core and essence of such and organization is the pursuance of its social objective. Research limitations/implications – Managers of six Social Enterprices were interviewed. Further research on the field should be developed on a wider scale. Practical implications – Factors which interfere with the development of social enterprises in Lithuania prevail are presented. Originality/Value – The paper provides a review of the field based on primary data.