Comparison of Work Integration Social Enterprises in Taiwan and Hong Kong: Resource Mixes and Governance

Work integration social enterprises (WISE) providing social services and products are the most visible forms of social enterprises both in Taiwan and Hong Kong. This type of social enterprise is deeply concerned with the... [ view full abstract ]

Work integration social enterprises (WISE) providing social services and products are the most visible forms of social enterprises both in Taiwan and Hong Kong. This type of social enterprise is deeply concerned with the socially disadvantaged minority and it is able to integrate them into the labor market by providing them with proper training and employment assistance, which allow them to connect with the society and achieve self-empowerment in the long run. This paper attempts to make a comparison of WISE in Taiwan and Hong Kong, focusing on two significant issues, that is, “resource mixes” and “governance”.

The research questions of the study are listed as the following: Are WISE in the two regions increasingly adopting mixed financial resource strategies? Are these strategies able to be sustainable over time for the WISE? What is the major difference linked to the type of government support provided to WISE in Taiwan and Hong Kong? of adjustmentsng Kong , wan and Hong Kong in the dimensions of "Are the governance structures of WISE in Taiwan and Hong Kong now gradually diversified than before, showing a tendency of the WISE to increase specialization inside an organization in response to the development of social enterprises? Do most traditional NPOs operating WISE not have business backgrounds while there are growing trends of businessmen joining the SE initiatives? Do CEOs of WISE in the both regions have strong impacts on decision-making concerning the WISE operation and management?

The data used in this paper derive from the third comparative study survey conducted in 2013. In addition, this paper will be supplemented by a collection of qualitative data from interviews with key leaders (e.g., board members, CEOs and managers) of four mid to large-size (total annual revenue is over 1 million USD) WISEs operating now in Taiwan and Hong Kong to further understand the association between the resource mobilization and governance of WISE and the employment creation and poverty alleviation for disadvantaged groups.