Dark Social Enterprise: Illegal Corruption or Ethical Failure?

• In Event: The Dark Sides of Social Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise

Abstract

Dark social enterprise as a field of inquiry holds even less theoretical development than the emerging field of dark social entrepreneurship. Examples of dark social enterprises have ranged from drug cartels to terrorist organizations; however, the mechanisms for such classifications as dark and social remain unclear. We propose an approach using ethical frames to examine the dark and social natures of enterprises. We also utilize the ethical frames to challenge the definitions of social enterprise that exist today. We conclude by summarizing implications for research and practice, specifically how to better understand the dark and social motivations of these enterprises.

Authors

• Patsy Kraeger, Georgia Southern University

• Craig A Talmage, Hobart and William Smith Colleges