Why the Conceptualization of Social Enterprise Matters in Vietnam

28/12/2021

Se Gun Song

Abstract: Despite the popularity of social enterprise across the globe, its conceptualization and understanding remains limited. Examining the constructive nature of definition and discourses of social enterprise, the author argues that the very process of conceptualising social enterprise has significant effects on the ways that social enterprises are established and practiced in a local context. A more critical approach towards social enterprise in Vietnam has been developed. The meaning of social enterprise in Vietnam should be discussed in the context of cooperation and self-help, existed in the Vietnamese community. Where and how social enterprise should align with the people’s aspirations is a question for research on social enterprise in Vietnam.
Keywords: Social enterprise, cooperative, discourses, NGOs, UK, US, Vietnam.