1.4.1.2 Comparative case study approach

The comparative legal approach is then extended to the empirical examination of the element of participatory governance and its practical implementation by social enterprises in the three selected jurisdictions. Chapter 3 examines how legal provisions influence the governance structures of social enterprises to include stakeholders. This empirical research provides the ‘real world sense in which these rules operate’.1 It demonstrates the effects and the effectiveness of the legal provisions on the governance of the examined social enterprises.

Consequently, in Chapter 3, nine qualitative case studies are developed, analysed and compared. This comparative, multi-case study approach comprises three case studies in each country, i.e. in Belgium, Greece and in the UK. Each case study was developed in multiple and single case study settings, but following a replication logic in the application of a similar research protocol.2

The qualitative case studies examine the implementation of legal rules and provisions concerning stakeholder participation in the governance of the social enterprises. These legal rules provide rights to stakeholders that can be categorised as follows: (i) ownership (of shares) and membership rights; (ii) voting and decision-making rights; (iii) information rights; and/or finally (iv) consultation rights. The extent and manner in which those rules are implemented demonstrate the role of stakeholders and their level of involvement in the decision-making process.