Elements of Successful Social Enterprise : Unitis Handicraft Cooperative in Ljusdal Sweden

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to provide profound elements of successful social enterprise that are reliable and valid and can serve as guidelines for those who want to examine how a SE is performing.This work is based on a single case study of social enterprise to analyze the fundamentals of successful social enterprises. It tests the feasibility of previous theories, model and characteristics that are used in evaluating nonprofits organizations. We use interviews, direct observation and questionnaires. There were five elements of successful social enterprise that were re-created in the study, namely; social wealth, networking efficient opportunities, innovation and adaptation towards financial independence, independence from volunteers and generation of economic wealth. Social benefits should be considered the most important aspect while economic wealth should not be taken for granted although it ought not to consider being the primary concern.