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Assessing Value Differences Between Leaders of Two Social Venture Types: Benefit Corporations and Nonprofit Organizations

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Abstract

This study considers key value differences between leaders of two types of social ventures: for-profit social benefit corporations and nonprofit organizations. The research question asks to what degree the value sets of leaders of benefit corporations are congruent with those of similarly situated individuals in nonprofit organizations. The results show the values of leaders working in benefit corporations and nonprofit organizations are in many ways aligned, but there are notable statistical differences. A sectoral association of values is also present with employees in both types of organization, especially when the previous work experience of employees is considered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Economics and Business Department, Colorado College, 14 E. Cache La Poudre St., Colorado Springs, CO, 80903, USA

    Katrina Miller-Stevens

  2. Department of Political Science, School of International and Public Affairs, James Madison University, 91 E. Grace St., MSC 7705, Harrisonburg, VA, 22807, USA

    Jennifer A. Taylor

  3. School of Public Service, Strome College of Business, Old Dominion University, 2084 Constant Hall, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA

    John C. Morris

  4. Department of Management, Strome College of Business, Old Dominion University, 2039 Constant Hall, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA

    Stephen E. Lanivich

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Miller-Stevens, K., Taylor, J.A., Morris, J.C. et al. Assessing Value Differences Between Leaders of Two Social Venture Types: Benefit Corporations and Nonprofit Organizations. Voluntas 29, 938–950 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-017-9947-9

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