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Inclusive management for social entrepreneurs with intellectual disabilities: “how they act”
Author(s) -
Caldwell Kate,
Parker Harris Sarah,
Renko Maija
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12662
Subject(s) - entrepreneurship , entitlement (fair division) , negotiation , autonomy , social entrepreneurship , public relations , business , self employment , marketing , sociology , political science , economics , social science , mathematical economics , finance , law
Background Social entrepreneurship is a growing trend that reflects a shift in contemporary policy towards entrepreneurship and self‐employment as viable employment option for people with disabilities. Entrepreneurship is intended to promote autonomy and reduce dependence on entitlement‐based services as well as reduce employment disparities while stimulating business and job creation.However, it is not well understood what exactly this means for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) involved in social entrepreneurial ventures. Methods Dyadic interviews were conducted with people with ID participating in social entrepreneurship ( n = 7) as well as with the person they identified as instrumental in providing support ( n = 7). Interviews focused on understanding the management processes used by people with ID, or “how they act” in negotiating between formal and informal systems of services and supports and barriers encountered. Results Themes that emerged include the main barriers they experienced, how their businesses are organized; and the use of formal and informal services and supports. Conclusions This research expands upon our understanding of social entrepreneurship and the management processes involved in customized employment for people with ID. It offers new insights and information for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to inform the expectations we set for entrepreneurship as a sustainable employment option, from the perspective of social entrepreneurs with ID themselves.