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Measuring Social Performance in Social Enterprises: A Global Study of Microfinance Institutions

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  • Leif Atle Beisland

    (University of Agder)

  • Kwame Ohene Djan

    (University of Agder)

  • Roy Mersland

    (University of Agder)

  • Trond Randøy

    (University of Agder)

Abstract

Social enterprises in the microfinance industry need to adhere to both financial and social demands. Critics argue that there is a mission drift away from the social mission, and this has motivated the introduction of social rating agencies to strengthen the business ethics of microfinance institutions (MFIs). Using a global dataset of 204 socially rated MFIs from 58 countries, we assess the factors that drive the social performance ratings of MFIs. Overall our results show that social ratings of MFIs are significantly related to financial performance, greater outreach especially in rural areas, well-defined social objectives, staff commitment, service quality and an enhanced customer service. We observe that various rating agencies attach different importance to each of the social indicators. The public policy implication is that social rating agencies need to become more transparent, to reduce the information asymmetries between heterogenous socially motivated investors and the focal MFI.

Suggested Citation

  • Leif Atle Beisland & Kwame Ohene Djan & Roy Mersland & Trond Randøy, 2021. "Measuring Social Performance in Social Enterprises: A Global Study of Microfinance Institutions," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 171(1), pages 51-71, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:171:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1007_s10551-019-04417-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-019-04417-z
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    3. Moez Bennouri & Anastasia Cozarenco & Samuel Anokye Nyarko, 2024. "Women on Boards and Performance Trade-offs in Social Enterprises: Insights from Microfinance," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 190(1), pages 165-198, February.
    4. Chen, Minju & Wang, Chengbin, 2024. "How business model innovation facilitates microcredit in balancing social mission with commercial performance - evidence from local commercial banks," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    5. Simo, Christelle & Tchakoute Tchuigoua, Hubert & Nzongang, Joseph, 2023. "Does corporate social responsibility pay? Evidence from social ratings in microfinance institutions," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
    6. Adalessossi, Kokou, 2024. "What are the determinants of the financial and social performance of MFIs in Togo? Does gender borrower matter on financial performance?," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 62(PA).
    7. Amidou Ayinla Akangbe Fadikpe & Richard Danquah & Mohammed Aidoo & Dejene Adugna Chomen & Richard Yankey & Xie Dongmei, 2022. "Linkages between social and financial performance: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa microfinance institutions," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(3), pages 1-23, March.
    8. Xiao-Min Yu & Ke Chen & Jin-Tong Liu, 2022. "Exploring How Organizational Capabilities Contribute to the Performance of Social Enterprises: Insights from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-20, April.
    9. Jérémy Lévêque & Kevin Levillain & Blanche Segrestin, 2023. "The Profit-with-purpose Corporation Confronted to Grand Societal challenges: Insights From the Study of a Formulation Process," Post-Print hal-04130125, HAL.
    10. Paolo Esposito & Emanuele Doronzo & Spiridione Lucio Dicorato, 2023. "The financial and green effects of cultural values on mission drifts in European social enterprises," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(1), pages 1-29, January.
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