Iodice, Gesualda (2025) Benefit Corporations in Cultural and Creative Industries: Theoretical Foundations, Management Practices, and Value Perceptions. [Tesi di dottorato]

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Abstract

In recent years, Benefit Corporations (BCs) have emerged as hybrid business models that intertwine profit-oriented objectives with a legally recognized mission focused on social and environmental well-being. Situated within the conceptual framework of the Fourth Sector, this thesis investigates the role of BCs in promoting sustainable management practices, particularly within the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI). The research is structured around a collection of three interrelated papers that adopt a tripartite perspective: literature, firm, and consumer. The first chapter provides a systematic literature review coupled with a bibliometric analysis, identifying three principal research streams: the conceptualization of hybrid business models, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and sustainable innovation. The analysis reveals a notable interest in the Italian adoption of the BC model, underscoring Italy's pioneering role in Europe as the first nation to adopt this managerial paradigm originating from the United States. While the U.S. model primarily embodies the broader phenomenon of social entrepreneurship, the Italian perspective distinguishes between social enterprises (defined as institutions) and BCs. Both categories are governed by specific legislation, with Italian BCs designated as "Società Benefit" (SB), each operating within different sectors, social enterprises in the third sector, and SB in the fourth sector. Given this distinction, the thesis examines the adoption of the Italian model within this emerging category, with a particular focus on cultural contexts. Specifically, the second chapter employs a firm-level lens to explore how SB in the cultural sector implement CSR strategies and foster open innovation through knowledge-sharing and community engagement. The third chapter investigates consumer perceptions of sustainability claims made by SB operating in the cultural tourism sector, revealing key motivational drivers behind ethical consumption and identifying which dimensions of sustainability most significantly influence consumer choices. Building on empirical findings and theoretical insights, this thesis proposes an integrative framework that situates BCs within the Fourth Sector paradigm. The work contributes to the nascent field of hybrid businesses by providing a multi-dimensional understanding of BCs and their potential to reshape sustainable business logics.

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