RESPONSIBLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP VISION DEVELOPMENT AND ETHICS

Networked social enterprises 215
The social enterprises might receive newsletters or be part of Facebook groups, but also having
in mind the need of information, to find out about “the relevant events for us”. (I.S., president,
CPE/MamaPan)
Overall, there are two types of relations – with other NGOs and with businesses. Both of
them are considered important, from different perspectives. The first ones could induce better
practices and open new ways to develop the activity, while the second ones are necessary
for better results – as well as identifying new business opportunities. The networks in which
the interviewed social enterprises activate are informal. Only one of the enterprises, Impact
Plus, is member of a federation of nongovernmental associations providing social services,
called FONSS. As part of this federation, the organization is being informed and could take
part in various projects. In the specific situation of Impact Plus, which is a relatively new
member of this federation, which is mainly active and makes lobby in another county close
to the one of Impact Plus, the benefits are not so concrete up to this moment: “We did not
see direct benefits, but we do not want to be egotistic. (…) One has to be patient, they come
in time.” (E.C., president, Speranþa/Impact Plus)
The main reasons why social enterprises are not part of various partnerships and networks
seem to be the need to focus on operative aspects of their activity, to face challenges and be
successful in business. E.C., the president of Speranþa/Impact Plus, states that “there are all
sorts of networks, but we have not contacted by them and we have not gone towards them either.
(…) We have been too concentrated on our own activities”. These practical aspects also guide
the social enterprises in establishing relationships. “We cooperate with other social economy
structures when we have to organize large events.” (I.S., president, CPE/MamaPan)
In general, the respondents poorly evaluate the cooperation among the members of the
social economy. “From my point of view, the relationships between the members of the social
entrepreneurial sector are not developed; unfortunately there is a lack of understanding of
the importance of the social economy”. (G.G., manager, Auto Control) The sector itself is
not developed according to the respondents: “the same organizations are (taking part in various
events), but there are not so many overall…” (I.S., president, CPE/MamaPan)
Largely, respondents observe a lack of cooperation. Some are actively trying to connect,
as it is the case of Impact Plus, but with poor results: “we opened the gates towards all that
wanted to see us. (…) We tried to cooperate with universities… with students. It did not work…
too small town…” (E.C., president, Speranþa/Impact Plus)
The contacts between the members of social entrepreneurial sector are poor due to many
reasons: lack of time, lack of resources – including human ones, “they are not persons oriented
towards networking, (...) everyone is preoccupied with internal problems and less
inclined towards relating with external environment”. (I.S., president, CPE/MamaPan) Sometimes,
rivalry is also perceived: “I would not see cooperation. Sometimes there is competition…
immoral one by stealing clients or through dumping prices”. (E.C., president,
Speranþa/Impact Plus)
Networking seems to be low among the interviewed organizations, but the need and the
desire to cooperate is high. E.C., the president of Speranþa/Impact Plus, confesses that “I love
when people in the sector succeed to connect with one-another”. Considering the prospects,
some respondents are positive: “I have observed that in other countries the social economy
is a network pretty well organized, the social enterprises cooperated quite close; this phenomenon
does not happen in Romania, for the moment”. (A.B., manager, Social Sports Club)