Briefing and working paper series: no. 26

Business or third sector?
What are the dimensions and implications of researching and conceptualising the overlap between the business and third sector?

This paper is designed to ‘problematise’ the business/third sector boundary in order to inform future research into third sector theorising or policy development. It sets out some of the reasons behind the development of concepts such as the ‘third sector’ and ‘social enterprise’ in the UK. The scope and limits of different theories underpinning European and US-influenced research and practice are also illustrated.

The paper explores some of the many dimensions, motivations and values of organisations found in this cross-over space between business and the third sector. It highlights the challenges and opportunities which this diversity creates for future research or policy creation.
 

Research contact
Andrea Westall