Social Business in An Emerging Economy: An Empirical Study in Bangladesh

The study focuses on the relationship between SB, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and the emerging economy. Thereafter it highlights the types, principles, and funding cycle of SB with the evidence from Grameen Bank, which is a globally well-recognized microfinance venture in Bangladesh established by the Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. This study employs qualitative analysis to illustrate an architectural overview of the SB model by collecting secondary data from various publications related to the topic and published data of Grameen Bank. Finally, this paper illustrates the SB model along with specified characteristics, systematic framework, and main approaches for sustainable context, which could be applied as a conceptual framework for SB in any context of the emerging economy. The findings of this study suggest that the SB model is the workflow having a hierarchy of five phases namely need identification, goal setting, solution-based business plan, business plan assessment, and business plan execution. Analyzing a range of social business interventions in a developing country, Bangladesh, through the lens of five key aspects demonstrates that social business is the most efficient way to sustainably maximize the social benefits and minimize specific social issues poverty of the people affected.