Article: Exploring the work environment in Greek social enterprises: a first overview Journal: International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business (IJESB) 2016 Vol.28 No.4 pp.451 - 467 Abstract: Economic crisis has resulted in rising unemployment and affecting economic prospects for population. Social enterprises are seen as a change maker and a significant means through which labour market integration, social inclusion and economic development can be achieved. Furthermore, it is important for employees to have a work environment that supports, encourages and respects them. This study is considered as a first overview to highlight the features of the work environment of social enterprises in Greece. For this purpose, a survey was conducted by collecting primary data and using a close-ended type questionnaire. The research participants included employees of 57 social enterprises. The study showed that social enterprises are characterised by a welcome and positive work environment which adopts a cooperative approach and is amenable to changes. However, the poor access to funding is considered as the major challenge for social enterprises to become sustainable and grow. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Exploring the work environment in Greek social enterprises: a first overview

Authors: Despina Sdrali; Maria Goussia-Rizou; Vasiliki Sarafi

Addresses: Department of Home Economics and Ecology, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou Str., 17676 Kallithea, Athens, Greece ' Department of Home Economics and Ecology, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou Str., 17676 Kallithea, Athens, Greece ' Department of Home Economics and Ecology, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou Str., 17676 Kallithea, Athens, Greece

Abstract: Economic crisis has resulted in rising unemployment and affecting economic prospects for population. Social enterprises are seen as a change maker and a significant means through which labour market integration, social inclusion and economic development can be achieved. Furthermore, it is important for employees to have a work environment that supports, encourages and respects them. This study is considered as a first overview to highlight the features of the work environment of social enterprises in Greece. For this purpose, a survey was conducted by collecting primary data and using a close-ended type questionnaire. The research participants included employees of 57 social enterprises. The study showed that social enterprises are characterised by a welcome and positive work environment which adopts a cooperative approach and is amenable to changes. However, the poor access to funding is considered as the major challenge for social enterprises to become sustainable and grow.

Keywords: social economy; social enterprises; work environment; Greece; economic crisis; labour market integration; social inclusion; economic development; cooperative approaches; cooperation; access to funding; social entrepreneurship.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2016.077577

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2016 Vol.28 No.4, pp.451 - 467

Received: 24 Sep 2015
Accepted: 24 Sep 2015
Published online: 06 Jul 2016 *

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Title: Exploring the work environment in Greek social enterprises: a first overview

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