Projekti (BVEF) / Projects

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Browsing Projekti (BVEF) / Projects by Author "Casno, Kristīne"

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    Factors that motivate Latvian consumers to purchase products and services from social enterprises in Latvia: the case of socially responsible consumption
    (2019-10-31) Casno, Kristīne; Šķiltere, Daina; Sloka, Biruta
    The purpose of the study is to -determine the relative importance of various factors that motivate Latvian consumers to purchase products and services from social enterprises in order to provide practical suggestions and recommendations for Latvian social enterprises that would allow them to improve their performance. The primary method used by the study is quantitative research by the means of an online survey of Latvian consumers of social enterprise products /services. The results of the research indicate that Latvian consumers find the product / service quality aspects, as well as aspects of social responsibility and convenience of the shopping location, on average, as most motivating to purchase products / services of social enterprises. However, the results of factor analysis highlight the importance of emotional aspects during on-site shopping as well as the importance of digital presence. Focus on the aforementioned could lead to optimal performance of social enterprises with limited marketing budgets. Authors also found that such factors as pleasant atmosphere and friendly service have the highest potential to generate repeat purchases among Latvian consumers, as confirmed by a statistically significant correlational relationship between the aforementioned factors and actual purchasing behavior of Latvian social enterprise consumers. Online sales also have potential to increase the economic performance of Latvian social enterprises. Consumers who regard online shopping highly on average display a less active shopping behavior which could be improved by offering online shopping opportunities. Authors also found that, while communication of social value is still recommended as vital part of social enterprise marketing, it should not be the only focus of social enterprise marketing activities and associated communication.
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    PUBLIC RECOGNITION OF THE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP SECTOR IN LATVIA AND THE WAY FORWARD
    (University of Latvia, 2022) Casno, Kristīne; Sloka, Biruta
    In Latvia social entrepreneurship is relatively new, but highly potential. Especially over the last 5 years many incremental positive developments have resulted in 193 social enterprises with the official status as of September 30, 2021, the overall competitiveness of the sector remains relatively low as social enterprises struggle with digital skills, sales and marketing. Many are fighting to make ends meet with limited budgets and high degree of uncertainty, especially under the circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic. Research findings from 2019 reveal average or below average information levels within Latvian society and confirm the significant positive role awareness and information about the social entrepreneurship sector within society plays in generating sales in the social economy sector. The purpose of the research is to provide the newest and in-depth data on the degree of public recognition and awareness of the social entrepreneurship sector in order to determine potential directions for improvement with practical implications for social enterprises as well as public authorities. Research methods are analysis of previously conducted research and survey of 1026 respondents. Research results indicate a need to delineate the concept of a social enterprise by clearly distinguishing it from such organization types as a non-governmental organization or charity. Significant number of respondents possess a general idea of what social entrepreneurship is about and express willingness to support social economy by purchasing social enterprise products and services. Challenges remain in the need to increase awareness and reduce the presence of various misconceptions about social enterprises and social entrepreneurship.
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    REDUCING SOCIAL STRATIFICATION VIA DIGITAL SKILLS IMPROVEMENT: THE CASE OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN LATVIA
    (University of Zagreb, 2021) Casno, Kristīne; Sloka, Biruta
    Latvian social enterprises and social entrepreneurship are becoming important since the adoption of the Social Enterprise Law in 2017 (effective as of 01.04.2018). The number of social enterprises with the legal status and the number of financial grants awarded to social enterprises has been steadily increasing, reaching 161 and 110 of them have received support over 7 million EUR as of 28.02.2021, data of the Register of Social Enterprises. Covid-19 crisis is continuing to have a negative effect on the sector since Latvian social enterprises were not provided any complementary support despite the double-bottom lines they are achieving. Inability to provide structured support mechanisms in place for social enterprises may have a negative effect on their ability to achieve their social mission, thus diminishing their capabilities to minimize social stratification within Latvian society. In the face of crises, such as Covid-19, digital skills are of utmost importance as often the only way for social enterprises to continue operations, achieve their social goals and remain financially sustainable is to fully embrace the digital environment. While some enterprises are better at embracing the digital environment, others find it more challenging. The purpose of the study is to investigate the activities of Latvian work integration social enterprises in the digital environment and search for effective solutions for strengthening their digital capacity. Tasks - (1) analyze existing research (2) analyze social enterprise level of activity in the digital environment (3) investigate social enterprise management needs for digital skills improvement. Primary research methods – analysis of social enterprise activities in the Internet and social networks, interviews of management of social enterprises on digital skills improvement options. Research results indicate a need to invest concentrated efforts towards supporting the social enterprises at their initial entry into the digital environment.