Towards negotiation: A RAMESES narrative review of social enterprise to support sustainability in Sport for Social Change (S4SC)

Abstract

This article engages in a systematic narrative review, executed according to RAMESES (Realist and Meta-Narrative Evidence Synthesis) standards, to unpack the literature on social enterprise. The case of Sport for Social Change and Development (S4SC) is presented as a global field of organizations facing early engagement with the concept of social enterprise as an innovative solution to increasing pressure in the NGO landscape. Yet, social enterprise is a complex term, which requires a solid theoretical approach before gaining currency as an operational term in the S4SC field. As researchers, we need to first and foremost consider how our research in this area supports organizations. Due to this, the way we theorize a concept before operationalizing the concept needs to appreciate the lived reality of these organizations and the efficiencies they aim to gain to benefit their social mission. The RAMESES narrative review is engaged to consider the different angles of thought regarding social enterprise. Findings articulate three prominent methods to conceptualize social enterprise and query how these methods can be used to support the development and growth of the social enterprise model in the S4SC field. Concluding remarks suggest that research on social enterprise in S4SC needs to better understand the purpose of this concept in the field to mitigate any risk of a priori assumptions being imposed on these organizations.