Converting to a Social Business : Institutional Motivations for a Business School

Based on a qualitative single case study with eight interviews, this study lays the foundation for literature on the motivation of transforming from a quasi-governmental entity to a social business. The context of this case study is the spinoff of business schools from the French chambers of commerce and industry. This spinoff was encouraged by enabling legislation that allowed assets specific to business schools to be transferred without taxes and fees if they adopt this legal business form. This case study is on the Burgundy School of Business, one of the seven schools that have adopted the regime. Unlike the other schools, it has opened its capital to shareholders other than the Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The School is also a member of Principles of Responsible Management in Education, indicating that it has a desire to go into societal issues beyond mere lip service to a regime. The case study suggests that the motivation for adopting a social business form could be institutional rather than personal. International rankings influence country legislation and business form adoption in a competitive industry