Global Value Chain Intervention Strategies for a Social Enterprise: A Case Study of 4Africa/Ngalo Designs

Abstract

This Master’s Thesis reviews the global value chain (GVC) of the organization comprising the social enterprise (SE), Ngalo Designs, and the non-governmental organization (NGO), 4Africa. The aim of the research is to identify areas for intervention to promote economic and social growth, as the SE exists to support the social mission of the NGO. This case study is based on exploratory research using the methods semi-structured in-depth interviews and secondary data. Drawing on the GVC approach, complemented by the institutional theory, Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory, and Schein’s model of organizational culture to account for the external and internal institutional environment of the GVC, we construct an integrative theoretical framework to guide the analysis of the organization’s GVC. Findings suggest that the organization should focus on bottom-up strategies to address institutional challenges, including forming alliances with actors in the chain to lobby for regulatory change and centering effective communication to strengthen the organizational culture and manage internal tensions. In addition, inputs of materials, branding, marketing and advertising, design, and increased production capacity were found to be areas where intervention should be prioritized.