A global review and conceptual framework for inclusive business models for social equity and diversity
*Tamrisha PatnaikCorresponding authortamrishapatnaik@woxsen.edu.inSchool of BusinessWoxsen UniversityHyderabad, Telangana, 502345, India0000-0002-6961-2203View full profile → , Nitya Sundar NandaDr.NityasundarNanda@vjim.edu.inDepartment of FinanceVignana Jyothi Institute of Management (VJIM)Vignana Jyothi Nagar, Bachupally, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500118, India0000-0002-2328-8268View full profile → , Jayanta Mohapatrajayantakumar.mohapatra@woxsen.edu.inSchool of BusinessWoxsen UniversityHyderabad, Telangana, 502345, India0000-0002-3096-6944View full profile →
* Corresponding author · click or hover a name for details
- Received:
- 01 Jan 2026
- Published Online:
- 31 Oct 2026
- Article type:
- Research Article
- Language:
- EN
- Article no.:
- JSMS-1760
- Pages:
- 1231–1239
Abstract
This study examines the potential of Inclusive Business Models (IBMs) to address global inequality by integrating marginalized populations including low-income communities, women, ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities into economic value chains. Drawing on an extensive literature review, including secondary evidence covering over 1,000 companies across 15 countries, we propose a four-pillar conceptual framework encompassing Stakeholder Integration, Equitable Value Distribution, Risk and Resilience Sharing, and Innovation for Inclusion. Empirical evidence shows that gender- and ethnicity-diverse firms are 25–36% more likely to outperform peers on profitability. Persistent challenges include inequitable benefit distribution, neglect of the most vulnerable groups, and unintended environmental consequences. Recommendations are advanced for practitioners, policymakers, and future researchers, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 10.
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References
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