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Many developing countries lack the financial resources to fulfill their basic educational needs. Consequently, individuals are unable to move out of poverty. The challenge lies in undertaking innovative and effective actions towards a substantial change while stimulating the Creating Shared Value (CSV) “which involves creating economic value in a way that also creates value for society” (Porter & Kramer, 2011, p. 4). Mexico is one of the affected countries by unequal educational opportunities. Additionally, the country experiences difficulty in coming up with improvements that can boost the investments that the government and private initiative have made in the education system.   This thesis aims to contribute to the development of the Creating Shared Value theory. This will be achieved by investigating two firms in the Mexican Educational sector through social impact organizations. Three objectives were proposed and categorized into: economic impact of the firm, social impact of the firm, educational development and firm strategy. This helps to answer the main research question: “How can Creating Shared Value contribute to the Educational sector in a developing country through social impact organizations?”. The purpose of this thesis was attained through a multiple-holistic case study strategy with two participant organizations (FINAE and EDUCAFIN) and data was collected by conducting semi-structured expert interviews. The thesis studies the different practices and strategies performed by the two organizations, and proves the benefits of applying the theories of Creating Shared Value. Moreover, it demonstrates that Creating Shared Value is strongly applicable within the Educational field in Mexico. Furthermore, the findings highlight a remarkable distinction between the organizations due to innovative business strategies and an extensive adaptability to the market. Moreover, both firms welcome win-win relationships between each one of them and the society. This leads to numerous benefits for both parties such as increasing revenues in the case of the organizations, and education development in the case of the Mexican community. In addition, our results suggest that Creating Shared Value is a novel topic because the investigated organizations were unable to identify the Creating Shared Value concepts in the activities they are currently performing.

Businesses and humans in general have led to a variety of different social and environmental problems. In this thesis we call on businesses to be the solution to these problems. Therefore, we have developed two research questions:   How do Swedish companies incorporate CSR and sustainability into their business models? and How do Swedish companies create shared value through business models based on sustainability and CSR?   The purpose of these research questions is to discover how Swedish companies incorporate CSR and sustainability into their business models. Also, we aim to see how a business model based on CSR and sustainability can create shared value. We have focused our view of a business model on Bocken et al.’s (2014) three pillars: value proposition, value creation and delivery, and value capture. Furthermore, we have made a distinction between the concepts of sustainability and CSR to see how they impact these different business model pillars. We divided sustainability into two types: weak and strong and broke CSR into internal and external CSR. Porter and Kramer (2011) gave seven examples of how the concept of shared value could be created. Shared value is created when society benefits at the same time a company is making economic gains. To combine the concepts of business model innovation, business models, sustainability, CSR, and shared value we have created a model. The model’s purpose is to see how companies can practically integrate CSR and sustainability into the three business model pillars. Business model innovation was the purpose arena in which a company could change in order to create shared value   After conducting interviews with seven different respondents from six different companies located in northern Sweden we were able to see that both strong and weak sustainability are visible in the value proposition pillar and somewhat visible in the value creation and delivery pillar. On the other hand, both internal and external CSR were only visible in the value creation and delivery pillar. Moreover, we could conclude that shared value was created by all of the respondent’s companies and in addition to Porter and Kramer’s (2011) examples added a new way shared value can be created through spreading ‘green’ knowledge. By using our research as a starting point we were able to identify directions for future research in the fields of business model innovation, business models, sustainability, CSR, and shared value.

The purpose of our study was to explore multi-faceted connections between corporate welfare strategies (CWs) and local development. Although there are a large number of studies on the topic of CSR and CW, to this day, the plausible connection between CWs and local development has been largely overlooked from an academic viewpoint. Our original hypotheses assumed that there is a plausible relationship between CWs implementation and socio-economic development. In particular, CWs are likely to foster local economic diversification in related and unrelated sectors through knowledge and entrepreneurship spill-overs, as well as to strengthen local communitarian ties. Before investigating those plausible relations, we tried to put forth an acceptable, although non- conclusive, definition of corporate welfare, mainly relying on the CSR academic literature and the local development corpus of studies. Moreover, we referred to a multifaceted group of academic contributions and relied on social capital literature, Evolutionary Economic Geography’s concept of “related” and “unrelated” variety, as well as on local development studies. The mix of these three academic literatures allowed us to develop an interpretative schema that frames CWs within local development processes. In chapter 2, our analysis focused on Olivetti’s history and Adriano Olivetti’s political thought. We were inspired to dwell on this specific case for many reasons: 1) the Olivetti company is widely considered, by Italian academic literature, the ante litteram socially responsible enterprise. Therefore, for the sake of our study on CW and CSR, we could not avoid analyzing this paradigmatic case; 2) a more obvious hint came from Becattini’s comment on Porter and Kramer’s shared value (2011). Becattini’s reference to Olivetti led us to detect, what were so far, unexplored connections between Olivettian thought and Italian local development literature. Becattini’s reference to Olivetti’s case suggested an intellectual line of thought that, sometimes outwardly and often implicitly, connects AO’s social and political ideas to the local development literature. Hence, we went down this path of an ideal intellectual line of thought and reviewed Giorgio Fuà’s work (one of the few masters that Giacomo Becattini acknowledged), the theoretical cornerstones of Giacomo Becattini up to Porter and Kramer's shared value. We then proposed, relying on Olivetti’s, Becattini’s, Porter’s and Kramer’s works, a reassessment of the original concept of shared value, and called it "communitarian" shared value. We then analysed the implementation of CWs in a specific territorial context. We focused on the effects of CWs implemented by Ferrero and Miroglio, two Albese multinationals in the province of Cuneo. As aforementioned, by investigating the possible “external” effects that stem from larger enterprises’ CW policies - such as rising levels of local entrepreneurship, a growth in the number of firms operating in related and unrelated sectors, an increase in the levels of local trust relationships - our goal was to better understand this connection (that had never been fully explored academically) and add an original contribution to the subject of “internal” CSR with external effects. Lacking general research and quantitative data on the subject, we relied mostly on a qualitative/ethnographic approach based on a deep analysis of literary and historical works, on the results of a web-survey that we administered to 28,759 enterprises in the province of Cuneo and on approximately 80 in-depth interviews. The original hypotheses of research have not been confirmed directly. It is instead the “entrepreneurial style” of local multinationals to condition, in a sort of spurious relation, both the independent CW variable and the dependent variable “local socio-economic development”. Additionally, empirical research led us to better describe the “Cuneo system”, a macro productive system that encompasses a variety of LPSs and that present hybrid socio-economic features which we have defined as a “polycentric system of local productive systems”.

While capitalism can be held responsible for many of the numerous social and environmental issues that haunt us today, corporations hold great power and possibilities to compensate for the damage they cause. A solution can be the implementation of Creating Shared Value (CSV), which builds on identifying societal needs and approaching these as business opportunities. By doing so, value can be created for society whilst driving business results. The purpose of this thesis is to examine what factors influence the implementation of CSV in companies operating in Sweden. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with experts who have worked with CSV. Factors that influence the implementation of CSV policies and practices, as well as factors that influence whether these lead to the desired goal of shared value creation have been extracted. The findings suggest that the public’s prevailing distrust towards companies’ engagement in solving social issues is the most noteworthy barrier for implementation of CSV, while managerial buy-in and understanding of the concept represent the strongest enabler. Getting lost in rhetoric and belief in the concept as well as focusing too strongly on measuring procedures illustrate the two greatest risks for implemented CSV policies and practice to become decoupled from the end goal of shared value creation.

Sverige står liksom många andra länder inför stora samhällsutmaningar. I Sverige utgör tjänster mer än 70 procent av BNP och behovet av tjänsteinnovationer som möter dessa utmaningar ökar. Creating Shared Value (CSV) är ett relativt nytt koncept som handlar om att skapa en gemensam värdegrund där ägarnas och samhällets intressen möts och ses som ett sätt att driva innovation och tillväxt på ett hållbart sätt. Ett fåtal tjänsteföretag har under de senaste åren börjat erbjuda CSV-tjänster och det är intressant att undersöka framväxten av dessa tjänster samt vilka faktorer som bidragit till utvecklingen. Studien undersöker därför tjänsteinnovationen hos två av Sveriges ledande kommunikationsbyråer som erbjuder CSV-tjänster och fokuserar främst på kundens roll i innovationsprocessen. Undersökningsmaterialet samlades in genom semi-strukturerade intervjuer med anställda från byråernas hållbarhetsteam. Resultatet visar att vissa kunder, så kallade ledanvändare, har haft stor betydelse för tjänsteutvecklingen. Slutsatsen är att innovationen kring dessa tjänster skett i samskapande med kund.

Dentre as empresas atuando na Base da Pirâmide socioeconômica, os bancos comerciais têm-se destacado nos últimos anos. Eles têm participado em operações de microcrédito por meio de uma forma contratual de concessão de crédito, os empréstimos de microcrédito de responsabilidade individual, cujos riscos e custos de transação são elevados. Estudos reconhecem que nem todas as estratégias empresariais voltadas aos mercados da Base da Pirâmide são bem sucedidas. Porém, existem condições para que seja possível desenvolver estratégias focadas em atender as necessidades desses mercados, de modo que possibilitem a criação de valor compartilhado. O objetivo central do presente trabalho é levantar indícios de como a forma contratual de responsabilidade individual no microcrédito pode contribuir para a criação de valor compartilhado. O objeto de análise é a forma contratual de responsabilidade individual de Microcrédito Produtivo Orientado no mercado brasileiro. A abordagem metodológica escolhida é exploratória e qualitativa, por meio do método de estudo de caso de um programa de microcrédito. Ao cruzar informações da literatura com os dados coletados na etapa empírica, constatou-se o papel fundamental dos agentes de microcrédito na forma contratual de responsabilidade individual. A boa operação do programa de microcrédito analisado depende do trabalho do agente de microcrédito, o qual deve estar bem capacitado e treinado para exercer suas atribuições. Adicionalmente, sua atuação deve estar alinhada com o posicionamento estratégico do banco. A criação de valor tangível e intangível para empresa observada está intimamente relacionada com o bom funcionamento do programa, o qual, além de buscar atender as necessidades da comunidade, deve manter uma operação eficiente para alcançar os objetivos empresariais. / Amongst the companies working in the socioeconomic Base of the Pyramid, commercial banks have been a highlight in recent years. They have participated in microcredit operations through a contractual form of lending, the microcredit loan of individual liability, for which risk and transaction costs are high. Studies recognize that not all business strategies addressing the Base of the Pyramid markets are successful. However, there are conditions that allow the development of strategies focusing on meeting the needs of these markets in order to enable the creation of shared value. The main goal of this research is to raise evidences of how the contractual form of individual liability in microcredit can contribute to creating shared value. The object of analysis is the microcredit\'s contractual form of individual liability in Brazil. The methodological approach chosen to meet the research goals is exploratory, through a qualitative method of a case study of a microcredit program. While crossing information from the literature with data collected in empirical stage, the strategic role of microcredit agents was noticed in the contractual form of individual responsibility. The good operation of the microcredit program analyzed depends on the microcredit agent\'s dedication, who not only must be well qualified and trained to perform his duties, but also his performance should be aligned with the bank\'s strategic positioning. The creation of tangible and intangible value to the company observed is closely related to the proper functioning of the program, which, in addition to seeking to meet the needs of the community, must maintain an efficient operation to achieve business objectives.

Dentre as empresas atuando na Base da Pirâmide socioeconômica, os bancos comerciais têm-se destacado nos últimos anos. Eles têm participado em operações de microcrédito por meio de uma forma contratual de concessão de crédito, os empréstimos de microcrédito de responsabilidade individual, cujos riscos e custos de transação são elevados. Estudos reconhecem que nem todas as estratégias empresariais voltadas aos mercados da Base da Pirâmide são bem sucedidas. Porém, existem condições para que seja possível desenvolver estratégias focadas em atender as necessidades desses mercados, de modo que possibilitem a criação de valor compartilhado. O objetivo central do presente trabalho é levantar indícios de como a forma contratual de responsabilidade individual no microcrédito pode contribuir para a criação de valor compartilhado. O objeto de análise é a forma contratual de responsabilidade individual de Microcrédito Produtivo Orientado no mercado brasileiro. A abordagem metodológica escolhida é exploratória e qualitativa, por meio do método de estudo de caso de um programa de microcrédito. Ao cruzar informações da literatura com os dados coletados na etapa empírica, constatou-se o papel fundamental dos agentes de microcrédito na forma contratual de responsabilidade individual. A boa operação do programa de microcrédito analisado depende do trabalho do agente de microcrédito, o qual deve estar bem capacitado e treinado para exercer suas atribuições. Adicionalmente, sua atuação deve estar alinhada com o posicionamento estratégico do banco. A criação de valor tangível e intangível para empresa observada está intimamente relacionada com o bom funcionamento do programa, o qual, além de buscar atender as necessidades da comunidade, deve manter uma operação eficiente para alcançar os objetivos empresariais. / Amongst the companies working in the socioeconomic Base of the Pyramid, commercial banks have been a highlight in recent years. They have participated in microcredit operations through a contractual form of lending, the microcredit loan of individual liability, for which risk and transaction costs are high. Studies recognize that not all business strategies addressing the Base of the Pyramid markets are successful. However, there are conditions that allow the development of strategies focusing on meeting the needs of these markets in order to enable the creation of shared value. The main goal of this research is to raise evidences of how the contractual form of individual liability in microcredit can contribute to creating shared value. The object of analysis is the microcredit\'s contractual form of individual liability in Brazil. The methodological approach chosen to meet the research goals is exploratory, through a qualitative method of a case study of a microcredit program. While crossing information from the literature with data collected in empirical stage, the strategic role of microcredit agents was noticed in the contractual form of individual responsibility. The good operation of the microcredit program analyzed depends on the microcredit agent\'s dedication, who not only must be well qualified and trained to perform his duties, but also his performance should be aligned with the bank\'s strategic positioning. The creation of tangible and intangible value to the company observed is closely related to the proper functioning of the program, which, in addition to seeking to meet the needs of the community, must maintain an efficient operation to achieve business objectives.

The study explored how private firms and their constituents capture value through Public-Private Collaboration (PPC) in South Africa. Partnerships are touted as key enablers of firm innovation and value creation in an increasingly complex global context. Yet, very few studies have provided the evidence base of value creation and capture beyond the ‘feel good’ process considering integrated value for firms. Nor is there clarity on how value can be planned for, operationalised and measured for improved management practice. This study progressed knowledge on practice and evaluation of PPC processes for firms by going beyond traditional linear models that have been found to be deficient in complex contexts. A qualitative case study was explored in the mining sector to provide richer and deeper insights into PPC processes from a firm perspective in its collaboration with government entities. The study provided the evidence base and indicators of value creation and capture for a private firm through a PPC process, exposed generalised assumptions, disaggregated value dimensions, and foregrounded a foundational multi-dimensional model and partnership value framework. The study contributed an integrated strategic value lens and the choices made in aggregation and disaggregation of value constructs in diverse contexts. It demonstrated new combinations of constructs whereby PPC processes created sources of competitive, collaborative and societal advantage for firms through mediated pathways. Contextualised concepts and data gathering of use value, exchange value and transformative value offered the evidence called for on value capture through PPC processes. It revealed the need to disaggregate value dimensions such as intellectual, relational and political value from social value. The role of PPC processes in Balancing Accountability between public and private sectors was suggested as a concept in progressing the field of cross-sector governance. A multi-dimensional model is presented reflecting the iterative and evolving nature of PPC processes and the interaction between value creation and value capture. An extended value indicator framework aims to aid in operationalising the assessment of PPC processes. The study promotes PPC processes as a mechanism to operationalise concepts such as Creating Shared Value (CSV) and respond to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2018. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / PhD / Unrestricted

Background: The rise of AI in the context of the fourth industrial revolution has captured the public’s attention. Given the potential for transformative change in business at an unprecedented scale and pace, it is imperative for stakeholders to ensure that technological advancements bring benefits to humanity and address societal challenges. With the potential to create value, as well as to destroy value, the implications of AI are substantial. Despite growing scholarly interest, there re- mains a lack of research on how AI can utilised to create shared value.  Purpose: This study explores the utilisation of AI by firms to create shared value. Specifically, it examines the underlying dynamics involved in striving to create shared value whilst utilising AI. In doing so, the study enhances the comprehension of how firms can employ this technology to create shared value, both theoretically and in practice.  Method: This study is conducted from a relativist ontology and social constructionism epistemology as philosophical standpoint. The study has adopted an inductive approach to generating theory through qualitative research. Data was collected through qualitative interviews with 12 business leaders and managers from practice. The gathered data has been analysed using thematic analysis.  Conclusion: The study indicates that companies must be driven to go beyond simply creating economic value and instead focus on creating shared value. This motivation can arise from either intrinsic- or extrinsic sources. Additionally, companies striving to create shared value must overcome barriers and exploit catalyst to extract value from utilising AI. Moreover, the potential to destroy value with AI through risks and consequences must be mitigated through a combination of self-regulation and external regulation to maximise value creation and minimise value destruction as a result of utilising AI, pointing at a shared responsibility for individuals, firms, and regulators.