Systematic literature review on scalability strategies for a social enterprise : A TCCM approach
*Shruti JainCorresponding authorshrutijain9998@gmail.comFaculty of ManagementGLS UniversityAhmedabad, Gujarat, 380006, India0000-0003-4491-3090View full profile → , Deepa Vyasdeepa.vyas@glsuniversity.edu.inFaculty of ManagementGLS UniversityAhmedabad, Gujarat, 380006, IndiaView full profile → , Keren Khambhatakeren.khambhata@gmail.comSchool of BusinessAuro UniversitySurat, Gujarat, 394510, India0000-0002-4348-2455View full profile →
* Corresponding author · click or hover a name for details
- Received:
- 01 Apr 2026
- Published Online:
- 30 Sep 2026
- Article type:
- Research Article
- Language:
- EN
- Article no.:
- JSMS-1707
- Pages:
- 1011–1020
Abstract
This study synthesizes the existing body of literature on the scaling of social ventures using the TCCM (Theory Context Characteristics Methodology) framework. The review finds that the dominant theoretical frameworks are the SCALERS framework, breadth versus depth scaling models and critical realism with limited integration across disciplines. The focus is primarily on base of the pyramid communities in rural India, highlighting affordability, market penetration and inclusive growth models. Urban, developed and digital contexts are not explored sufficiently. Some of the key characteristics identified include dual modes of scaling, organizational capabilities such as internal systems and client selection, and the role of organizational closure in sustaining impact. But there is little focus on long term outcomes such as resilience, systemic transformation and ecosystem level enablers. The studies reviewed are mostly qualitative case analyses and there is limited use of advanced quantitative, mixed methods or data driven approaches. The findings identify four main gaps: the need to increase theoretical integration; the exploration of different contexts; the examination of new organizational and ecosystem level characteristics; and the application of more rigorous empirical methods. Finally, implications for theory and practice of scaling social ventures are discussed and suggestions for future research are made.
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References
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