Journal article · Ahead of Print article
Commercial yet social: The practices and logics of bringing mini-grid electricity to rural villages in Kenya
Technology - Transitions and System Innovation, UNEP DTU Partnership, Department of Technology, Management and Economics, Technical University of Denmark1
UNEP DTU Partnership, Department of Technology, Management and Economics, Technical University of Denmark2
Department of Technology, Management and Economics, Technical University of Denmark3
University of Surrey4
Private mini-grid developers, which deliver power to rural communities in developing countries through for-profit business models, represent an alternative organisational model compared to traditional state-led, donor-led or community-driven models of rural electrification. However, as the ‘private model’ covers many different ways of doing business, this paper seeks to broaden our understanding of its complexities.
This is done by using insights into organisational hybridity as a defining characteristic of organisations that have a dual mission consisting of social and economic aims and by applying the analytical concept of institutional logics. The paper explores how four different mini-grid firms in Kenya draw on both a commercial logic and a social welfare logic in their everyday operational activities in order to achieve their goals.
By studying the practices, activities and sense-making of the four firms, as well as the effects of these practices in the targeted areas, the paper illustrates how some firms by prioritise one logic over the other, while other firms blend the two logics in their work. The paper finds that firms using a blending approach seem to derive synergies from integrating the two logics into their work.
However, more research is needed to improve understanding of this link and of the organisational drivers that underpin each approach.
Language: | English |
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Year: | 2020 |
Pages: | 101588 |
ISSN: | 22146296 and 22146326 |
Types: | Journal article and Ahead of Print article |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.erss.2020.101588 |
ORCIDs: | Pedersen, Mathilde Brix and Nygaard, Ivan |