An investigation into organisational hybridity in faith-based social enterprises in Ghana: an organisational spirituality perspective

This thesis investigates the response to organisational hybridity in a school context arising from the social mission, the financial sustainability objective and the spiritual mandate of Faith-Based Social Enterprises (FBSEs). Several studies have proved a strong connection between organisational spirituality (OS) and organisational performance, demonstrating particularly significant improvements in the financial performance of organisations that integrated OS in Europe, North America and Asia. However, in Africa, there is a dearth of theoretically grounded empirical research that interrogates the influence of OS and more so, in addressing the tensions in FBSEs. A longitudinal study over 36 months using an action research approach resulted in three iterative action cycles seeking to understand, implement and sustain OS in an FBSE context. Data was collected through individual and group interviews and document reviews. The data gathered was analysed at two-stages, initially through structural coding and, thereafter, thematic analysis using NVivo 12. The findings were examined through the adopted institutional theory framework – the Normative Business Model (NBM) – which allows organisational values to be incorporated within the normative orientations of formalised organisations. The findings deepened conceptual clarity of OS with a Ghanaian worldview and demonstrated that a holistic response to organisational hybridity is possible. Building on previous work, this research contributed to knowledge by establishing a process for implementing OS in an FBSE context; demonstrating that organisational hybridity tensions can be resolved; serving as a reference point to enrich SE policy and dialogue in Ghana with respect to the place of FBSEs; and enhancing Africa’s contribution to independent global research. Future research could explore a similar study involving more FBSEs and using other qualitative or quantitative research approaches.