Sustainable Ecosystems Through Indigenous Social Enterprises

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to explore the mechanisms by which an indigenous social enterprise in southern Mexico is building a sustainable ecosystem that improves the quality of life of the community. The research suggests that indigenous social enterprises have developed novel mechanisms based on its culture and cosmovision, which ultimately generate an ecosystem that promotes community welfare. These mechanisms are accountability and transparency, legitimacy, equality policies, a participatory organizational structure, social innovation, and entrepreneurial orientation. This case shows how the communitarian perspective of the entity increases the quality of life of employees and their households, fosters the local economy, and consolidates an ecosystem that promotes development in the community. From a public policy perspective, the case also suggests actions that might promote the generation of business models that integrate vulnerable communities to the global economy from a sustainable, collaborative perspective.