Mission Drift in a Hybrid Organization: How Can Social Business Combine its Dual Goals?

Abstract

Th e Europe 2020 strategy emphasizes that social enterprises are very useful to the society as an important element of the social economy. As “hybrid” organizations, social enterprises seek to manage the potential tension between social and business aims. Th e purpose of this article is to disclose how social enterprises may harmonize social and for-profi t purposes. Th e present research promotes sharing of best practices in the fi eld of social business. Th e methods of the research are analysis of scientifi c literature and expert interview. Th e research revealed that investment into human resources of the company, strong focus on the mission hybridity and organization strategy, suffi cient communication with the stakeholders, and relevant monitoring of the organization’s fi nancial and statistical indicators can help social entrepreneurs to fi nd a balance between social and profi t ambitions. Th e research confi rmed that the phenomenon of mission drift does not depend on how much the country is mature in terms of experience with hybrid organizations and social enterprises in particular. Th e study can help to better understand the nature of mission drift and to plan problem mitigating solutions.