Emerging elements and traits of a new hybrid organization model: the Certified Benefit Corporation: An exploratory analysis of the European context

The aim of the study is to provide an exploratory analysis of the emerging phenomenon of Certified Benefit Corporation (B-Corps): a hybrid organization model that stands as an element of development in the debate on social innovation and the impact of business activity on the environment, society and stakeholders in general. After analysing from a theoretical point of view, the emerging elements and traits of this type of organization and the empirical analysis of a sample of 585 Certified B-Corp European companies show that this peculiar business exhibits greater involvement in activities designed to have positive externalities on the socio-economic community in which they are located and operate along with a significant interest in the emerging situation of their employees as well as for the physical environment in which their activities are involved. However, the results show a lower focus on customers and business-economic aspects closely related to the corporate governance.