Embeddedness: An Exploratory Investigation of the Role of Ties in Social Venture Formation

This paper describes a socially embedded approach to social entrepreneurship taken in response to recent critics who argue that the field, because of an undue focus on the traits of individuals, has paid insufficient attention to the social networks of individuals (Dacin, Dacin & Tracey, 2011). We conducted a three-month ethnographic study of Opus, an infant social venture dedicated to saving printed books in a digital world where they are devalued and discarded. The founders of Opus hope to avoid the destruction of economic value by enabling people to freely take donated books that might have otherwise been thrown away. This also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing strain on limited landfill space. In addition, Opus enhances the social fabric of the local community by creating culturally embedded relationships among printed book lovers. The birth of Opus sheds light on the visioning and development of social ventures united by a common purpose but with limited funds and other resources. Our findings may resonate with those who find themselves in similar situations or are contemplating similar initiatives and may help dispel some common myths about organization formation and planning.