Intermediaries as external enablers in community-based social enterprises: case studies in China and Japan

Purpose Community-based social enterprises (CBSEs) face distinctive challenges in creating hybrid values within localised contexts. While intermediaries – specialist organisations mediating transactions and interactions – are crucial actors in supporting social enterprises (SEs), their contributions to CBSEs remain underexplored. This paper aims to examine the roles of intermediaries in supporting the development of CBSEs in China and Japan, where the SE sector has evolved under distinct yet complementary contexts. In addition, it aims to elucidate how intermediaries supporting CBSEs differ from those assisting SEs more generally. Design/methodology/approach This research draws on ecological system theory (EST) and institutional logic theory, allowing for a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of intermediaries. The authors conducted eight qualitative case studies with a comparative perspective, collecting data through semi-structured interviews, documents and field observations. Afterwards, thematic analysis was pursued to analyse the data. Findings The findings reveal that, in both countries, intermediaries serve as “external enablers” for CBSEs, playing a crucial role in facilitating and mediating across multiple systems. While intermediaries differ in their incorporation and approaches, community logic – an institutional logic informed by local context – guides their strategic pursuit. Originality/value This paper provides empirical evidence on the understudied role of intermediaries in Asian contexts, particularly those supporting CBSEs. The authors highlight two theoretical contributions. First, this research extends the application of EST. Second, it develops the theoretical discussion on community logic and the territoriality of intermediaries.