Thesis
Managing people in social enterprises: a narrative research study of Thailand
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2024
- Thesis identifier
- T17160
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 201978429
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- The purpose of this thesis is to gain a comprehensive understanding of people management within social enterprises, particularly focusing on employee retention strategies and the development of employee attachment. The research addressed the significance of context in enriching the field’s knowledge base. Conducted within the distinctive setting of Thailand, this study offers a unique perspective on social enterprises, which can significantly enhance the global discourse on social enterprise studies. By examining the nuances of the Thai context, this thesis aims to uncover insights that enhance the applicable understanding across various regions and contexts, thereby broadening the applicability and relevance of its findings in international settings. This study employed narrative inquiry to examine the complex dynamics of people management and employee attachment in Thai social enterprises. Through in-depth interviews, the study collected rich stories and experiences from fifty participants, encompassing both founders and employees. The data were thoroughly analysed using thematic narrative analysis, enabling a detailed investigation of the narratives provided and uncovering significant insights into the sector’s practices and challenges. The results highlight that the central premise shaping people management in social enterprises fundamentally stems from the values advocated by the enterprise’s leaders in the midst of their dual missions. Additionally, employee retention in social enterprises differs significantly from that in traditional for-profit organisations, focusing more on enhancing employee well-being and fostering the natural development of employee attachment. Employee attachment in this organisational setting is developed through the intertwining of positive relationships (social capital) and mature employee motivation (human capital). The findings underscore that significant elements in fostering the strengthening of employee attachment include social norms, individuals’ virtues, and meaning-making processes, all of which are driven by meaningful interactions between individuals. This study develops a framework to explain how social enterprises leverage social and human capital to foster employee attachment organically. Additional findings reveal the unique employee attachment found in a social enterprise context where employee attachment persists even after employees leave the organisations. This research makes significant contributions to the field of social enterprise studies, specifically in relation to people management and retention in social enterprises. By integrating Job Embeddedness, Social Capital, and Human Capital into the theoretical framework, this thesis significantly enriches the theoretical literature. Moreover, from a practical standpoint, the study offers valuable insights for social enterprises and leaders, including employees, stakeholders, and those who work for social enterprises. These insights could help them comprehend the strategies behind employee retention and the processes through which employee attachment develops within this distinct organisational setting.
- Advisor / supervisor
- Nicolopoulou, Katerina
- Sambajee, Pratima
Relations
Items
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Visibility | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
PDF of Thesis T17160 | 2025-05-27 | Public | Download |