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Empathic social enterprise: the role of empathy and shared intentionality

Seddon, F. A., Hazenberg, R. and Denny, S. (2014) Empathic social enterprise: the role of empathy and shared intentionality. Paper presented to: International Society for Third Sector Research (ISTR) 11th International Conference: Civil Society and the Citizen, University of Muenster, Germany, 2014-07-25.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Abstract: Research conducted with the UKs first professional symphony orchestra cooperative provides evidence and insight into how empathy and shared intentionality impacted upon their cooperative governance. Individual semi-structured interviews, conducted with 36 of the orchestral musicians, were analysed and four themes emerged from the data, which were interpreted as: ‘empathy’, ‘shared intentionality’, ‘provide and preserve’, and ‘cooperative governance’. Findings of the research indicate that performing arts groups such as symphony orchestras can be social enterprises. The paper examines the relationship between empathy and social enterprise. Empathy is presented as a multidimensional moral and psychological concept. New concepts of ‘external’ and ‘internal’ empathy are also proposed in relation to social enterprises and their beneficiaries. Empathy and social enterprise leadership is explored and implications for business leadership education are discussed. Finally, a new model for the definition of a social enterprise based upon the intersection of high-levels of innovation and entrepreneurship and empathy and shared intentionality is presented.
Creators: Seddon, Frederick A, Hazenberg, Richard and Denny, Simon
Date: 25 July 2014
Date Type: Publication
Journal or Publication Title: International Society for Third Sector Research (ISTR) 11th International Conference: Civil Society and the Citizen
Event Title: International Society for Third Sector Research (ISTR) 11th International Conference: Civil Society and the Citizen
Event Dates: 2014-07-25
Event Location: University of Muenster, Germany
Event Type: Other
Language: English
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: No
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/11447

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