HYBRIDITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND SOCIAL IMPACT: A STUDY OF CREATIVE SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN LATVIA

Authors

  • Mg. art. Asnāte Kalēja Institute of Arts and Cultural Studies of Latvian Academy of Culture, Latvia
  • Dr.oec. Ieva Zemīte Institute of Arts and Cultural Studies of Latvian Academy of Culture, Latvia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55877/cc.vol32.583

Keywords:

creative social enterprises, cultural and creative industries , social entrepreneurship, social impact

Abstract

This research enhances understanding of creative and social entrepreneurship by exploring the nature of creative social enterprises (CSE) in Latvia to better understand their hybrid goals, which affect their ability to account for social impact. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing one case study and legal document analysis, to examine the CSE from practitioners’ perspectives on navigating enterprises and conducting impact assessment. Findings show that while CSEs offer innovative models for connecting creativity and social value, they encounter challenges in formalizing impact assessment due to limited resources, competing goals, and a hybrid organizational structure. The research enhances understanding of accountability in hybrid organizations and underscores the need for more tailored approaches to impact assessment.

Supporting Agencies
The creation of the article is supported by the project “Cultural and creative ecosystem of Latvia as a resource of resilience and sustainability” / CERS (No. VPP-MM-LKRVA-2023/1-0001), funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia in the framework of the State Research Programme “Latvian Culture – a Resource for National Development” (2023–2026). The State Research Programme is administered by the Latvian Council of Science.

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Published

19.03.2026