Strategy and Structure in Civil Society Organizations in Latin America and Spain: A Four-Stage Model

We developed a four-stage model on the strategic evolution of organizations and their respective restructuring. This model follows the pioneering work done by Chandler and has been applied in organizations operating in Latin America whose objective is to create social value. We found the following strategy sequence: specialization, horizontal integration, vertical integration and diversification. They correspond to social entrepreneurial, functional, decentralized and conglomerate organizational structures. Evidence is presented in 20 case studies on social enterprises that were documented as part of SEKN (Social Enterprise Knowledge Network).