Navigating Legitimacy and Resource Constraints: A Typology of Organizational Forms and Resource Mobilization Strategies Among Chinese Social Enterprises

Abstract

Social enterprises (SEs) engage in business activities to address social issues and fulfill social missions. Existing literature has mainly focused on a resource-oriented perspective, assuming that SEs either have or do not have resources. Therefore, we know very little about SEs in non-munificent institutional environments. Drawing on resource dependence theory and the bricolage framework, this study analyzes how SEs in China strategically select organizational structures to navigate legitimacy and resource challenges. Findings reveal that nonprofit SEs often employ social bricolage to enhance community engagement and visibility, while certified SEs leverage diverse partnerships for resource acquisition. In contrast, for-profit SEs face unique challenges in building organizational legitimacy but can access private sector resources through their business-oriented status. This research underscores the importance of tailoring strategies to maximize legitimacy and resource mobilization in the pursuit of social impact.