Hybrid Organizations As Agents of Positive Social Change: Bridging the For-profit & Non-Profit Divide

Karen Golden-Biddle and Jane Dutton (eds). Using a Positive Lens to Explore Social Change and Organizations: Building a Theoretical and Research Foundation (New York: Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group): 131-153.

Ross School of Business Paper No. 1149

30 Pages Posted: 9 Nov 2010 Last revised: 28 Sep 2017

See all articles by Andrew John Hoffman

Andrew John Hoffman

University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business

Krista K. Badiane

University of Michigan at Ann Arbor

Nardia Haigh

University of Massachusetts Boston

Date Written: 2012

Abstract

This chapter explores the distinctive characteristics of hybrid organizations; a new organizational form that expands our existing categories of organizations by bridging the for-profit and non-profit domains. In particular, we utilize a positive lens to explore the role of hybrids in creating positive social and environmental change on two levels. At the firm level, hybrid organizations develop new products that promote environmental and social well-being, and new practices for producing and bringing them to market. At the institutional level, hybrid organizations diffuse acceptance for their products and practices throughout their markets, competitors, and industry. To explain how hybrid organizations accomplish these objectives, we present a Sustainability-Driven Business Model that explains their social change agency. The theoretical model has three basic elements: 1) Social change as organizational objective; 2) Mutually-beneficial relationships with suppliers and supplier communities, employees, and customers; and 3) Progressive interaction with markets, competitors, and industry institutions. The chapter discusses the implications for theory and practice, and concludes with suggestions for future research.

Keywords: Hybrid Organizations, Positive Organizational Scholarship, Social Change

Suggested Citation

Hoffman, Andrew John and Badiane, Krista K. and Haigh, Nardia, Hybrid Organizations As Agents of Positive Social Change: Bridging the For-profit & Non-Profit Divide (2012). Karen Golden-Biddle and Jane Dutton (eds). Using a Positive Lens to Explore Social Change and Organizations: Building a Theoretical and Research Foundation (New York: Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group): 131-153., Ross School of Business Paper No. 1149, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1675069

Andrew John Hoffman (Contact Author)

University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business ( email )

701 Tappan Street, R4390
Ann Arbor, MI MI 48109
United States
734.763.9455 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.andrewhoffman.net/

Krista K. Badiane

University of Michigan at Ann Arbor ( email )

500 S. State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
United States

Nardia Haigh

University of Massachusetts Boston ( email )

Boston, MA
United States
6172877731 (Phone)
6172877731 (Fax)

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