Search

Purpose – The first objective of this paper is to explain and compare new business models that are currently being successfully applied worldwide. The second objective is to carry out an empirical analysis to observe the perception of experts regarding these models, the differences between them, and their orientation toward the traditional theory of the firm or the stakeholder approach in some of the characteristic elements of the organizational structure of the firm. Design/methodology/approach – In a first step we conduct a literature review that compares the dominant theory of the firm (neoclassical model) with the stakeholder theory. Secondly, we present six additional business models and compare them with both the neoclassical and stakeholder approaches. In a second part of the paper we use a fuzzy Delphi methodology in order to collect qualitative information from a group of experts about those six additional business models. Findings – The stakeholder approach is a valuable explanatory tool to address how firms can generate a broader positive impact at the social level. Identifying the stakeholders that interact within the firm allows the firm’s managers to take into account their specific needs, which are usually not limited to profit maximization. Originality/value – Emerging business models can benefit from the stakeholder approach to integrate those needs due to an organizational structure focused on stakeholders' interests., Objetivo – O primeiro objetivo deste artigo é explicar e comparar novos modelos de negócio que estão sendo aplicados com sucesso em todo o mundo atualmente. O segundo objetivo é realizar uma análise empírica para observar a percepção dos especialistas sobre esses modelos, as diferenças entre eles e sua orientação para a teoria tradicional de empresas ou para a abordagem das partes interessadas em alguns dos elementos característicos da estrutura organizacional das empresas. Metodologia – Em uma primeira etapa, realizamos uma análise da literatura que compara a teoria dominante de empresas (modelo neoclássico) com a teoria das partes interessadas. Em segundo lugar, apresentamos seis modelos de negócio adicionais e os comparamos com as abordagens neoclássica e das partes interessadas. Em uma segunda parte do artigo, usamos uma metodologia Delphi difusa para coletar informações qualitativas de um grupo de especialistas sobre esses seis modelos de negócio adicionais. Resultados – A abordagem das partes interessadas é uma ferramenta explicativa útil para abordar como as empresas podem gerar um impacto positivo mais amplo no nível social. A identificação das partes interessadas que interagem na empresa permite que os gestores levem em consideração suas necessidades específicas, que geralmente não se limitam à maximização do lucro. Contribuições – Modelos de negócio emergentes podem se beneficiar da abordagem das partes interessadas para integrar essas necessidades, devido a uma estrutura organizacional focada nos interesses das partes interessadas.

Jesuit Universities have been training responsible professionals since the 16th century. Given this educational tradition, and in the face of the new challenges posed by the present-day social and economic situation, the Society of Jesus has started to implement the “Ledesma-Kol-venbach” educational paradigm in its higher education institutions. Instead of short-term profit maximization, the Ledesma-Kolvenbach model considers sustainability, human dignity and social well-being as key elements in business strategies. The objective of this paper is to propose a method capable of measuring the economic and social value generated by a firm managed in accordance with the four dimensions of the Ledes-ma-Kolvenbach model. The methodology is developed in three steps. In the first place, the authors explore the existing literature on the Ledes-ma-Kolvenbach model and its roots in Jesuit education. Secondly, they analyze the literature that studies the role of the firm from a neoclassical perspective, as well as other complementary or alternative approaches. In the third place, they present an empirical model that has already been tested in different organizations, designed to measure the social and economic value generated by firms. The main result of the paper is a method that can be used to measure the social and the economic value generated by firms, such that society, managers and public administrations have an operational tool to present and evaluate the economic and social performance of firms.