| Abstract [eng] |
Lithuanian Social Economy Model The aim of the Master‘s thesis is to form the Lithuanian social economy model and to identify and reveal its essential elements. The following methods were used to achieve the aim of the Master thesis: comparative analysis and systematisation of scientific literature; systematic analysis of documents; semistructured interviews, qualitative data analysis and interpretation; questionnaire survey, statistical analysis and interpretation of quantitative data. Methods were used to analyse the concept of social economy and ongoing changes in Europe and Lithuania, to carry out the analysis of existing, new legislation and guidance documents in order to form a theoretical model of social economy in Lithuania and to find out if the theoretical model of Lithuanian social economy is sufficiently developed and substantiated, where one of the main elements of the model (social entrepreneurship) were investigated in later stages. The following functions of SPSS software package were used for quantitative data analysis: descriptive statistics (for systematization of the obtained respondents and data); tests of normality (to determine the distribution of data in the normal distribution); factorial analysis (to find out whether formed statements are properly assigned to the required constructs); reliability analysis (cronbach's alpha – for validating the statements in the questionnaire); compute variable; independent samples t test (for testing H1 and H2, to identify differences between respondents divided by two demographic criteria); Pearson correlation analysis and Fisher z test (H3, H4, H5 and H6, to calculate and compare correlation coefficients); multiple linear regression (H7, to determine if regressors are affecting independent variable). Main results of the research: based on the analysis of legal acts, the results of expert research and questionnaire the model of Lithuanian social economy was formed and based on the main elements and connections. The relationship between bottom-up and top-down leadership through collaboration, which allows us to identify the key actions needed to ensure the quality of life in society, is crucial. The centre of the social economy process is the relationship between top-down and bottom-up leadership, where the centre manages planning, resources, needs, analysis and improvement activities based on the principles of continuous improvement. The main result of a well-managed social economy process is the quality of life of society, which is ensured through the provision of services and goods. Moreover, relationship between the social economy process and the external context can be positive and negative. An important aspect of this model is the measurement of social impact that social entrepreneurs and social businesses must provide. Lithuanian social economy model is of a recommendatory nature, where the model and its elements can be used as a map or a general view, when drafting new legislation, improving already adopted or developing financial and non-financial measures in order to promote the social economy. |
