Morteza Eslahchi. Photo: Sören Andersson

Follow the defence via Zoom

Zoom Meeting: https://stockholmuniversity.zoom.us/j/69190168013

Title of thesis

Learning Together, Leading Change: Understanding Collective Learning in Social Entrepreneurial Organisations

Opponent

Maria Gustavsson, Professor, Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University

Examining Committee Members

Gunilla Avby, docent, Associate Professor, Department of Education, Stockholm University
Annika Engström, Associate Professor, Department of Supply Chain and Operations Management, Jönköping University
Ola Lindberg, Associate Professor, Department of Education, Umeå University

Suppleant

Jessica Lindberg, Associate Professor, Stockholm Business School, Stockholm University

Chair of the defence

Fredrik Hertzberg, Associate Professor, Department of Education, Stockholm University

Supervisor 

Ali Osman, docent, Associate Professor, Department of Education, Stockholm University

Assistant Supervisor 

Malgorztata Malec Rawinski, Associate Professor, Department of Education, Stockholm University
Jon Ohlsson, Professor, Department of Education, Stockholm University

Abstract

This dissertation aims to generate an understanding of collective learning in social entrepreneurial organisations in Sweden, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing a collective learning-centred perspective, I want to explore the following key areas: a) the learning conditions and organising processes entailed in becoming a social entrepreneur and creating a social entrepreneurial organisation, b) The importance of collective learning for organisational adaptation and change in tackling exogenous factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and c) the role of leadership in creating conditions conducive to collective learning processes in social entrepreneurial organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grounded in empirical studies, this research reimagines leadership as an empowering, collaborative practice that is intricately woven with collective learning dynamics. The study also scrutinises the adaptive and evolutionary nature of organising processes, emphasising their centrality for collective learning. Furthermore, it highlights the efficacy of a collective learning-centred approach in driving meaningful organisational change, contrasting this with top-down strategies. Since most of the data was gathered during the global upheaval caused by COVID-19, this research presents a unique opportunity to examine collective learning as a resilience-building tool in turbulent times. This study fills a gap in existing literature by focusing on the Swedish context, and offers insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in social entrepreneurship. Ultimately, the research underscores the potential of collective learning to equip social entrepreneurial organisations for sustainable innovation and resilience, particularly in challenging societal conditions.

Open Access in DiVA