Work Integration Social Enterprise: What are the perceived benefits for persons with disabilities?

Deaton, Amanda (2024) Work Integration Social Enterprise: What are the perceived benefits for persons with disabilities? Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

This study explores the lived experiences of managers within Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) in Ireland, which provide employment for persons (PWD). The aim of this research was to explore perceived benefits for PWD, investigate any inclusive practices within the WISEs and document their subjective lived experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four WISE managers from diverse sectors; these participants were chosen purposefully to ensure they represented WISEs of different sizes and length of time in business.

Thematic analysis was utilised to identify patterns and themes in the data, revealing insights into the benefits and challenges of employing PWD and discovered a prevailing tension - navigating the balance between fulfilling a social mission and achieving commercial viability – people versus product.

The findings highlight the complexity and variability of WISEs' practices and the impact of the organisational and systematic barriers they can face. Despite limitations such as a small sample size, the study provides valuable contributions to understanding the potential of WISEs as agents of social change, not solely in the lives of PWD but also as a method to reconceptualise the meaning of work for all individuals.

This study underscores the importance of capturing the realities of WISEs and advocates for the continued exploration of the phenomenon that should include all stakeholders, to investigate their potential to improve the employment landscape for PWD.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email -, - UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Careers R Medicine > Diseases > Disabilities J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe) > Ireland > Government Departments
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Science in Management
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	12 Aug 2025 11:22
Last Modified:	12 Aug 2025 11:22
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/8504

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