Configurational pathways to social incubator reputation: a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA)

Purpose As social incubators attract increasing attention, there is a growing need to understand what makes some stand out more than others. This study aims to examine how distinct combinations of internal characteristics shape their reputational standing. Design/methodology/approach Case data from 18 globally recognized social incubators were analyzed using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. Organizational attributes were initially gathered from Crunchbase and then verified through online searches, including incubator websites, media coverage and public reports. Findings The analysis identifies three distinct configurational pathways to high reputation: specialized programmatic focus combining scale with intensive delivery and low external visibility; mission-oriented community engagement emphasizing program quality and social focus without traditional status signals; and comprehensive multi-channel positioning that integrates all reputation dimensions. Research limitations/implications This study is based on a small sample of social incubators drawn from a single global reputation ranking and relies on publicly observable data. Future research should examine longitudinal dynamics, include underrepresented geographic regions and incorporate internal stakeholder perspectives. Practical implications The findings offer exploratory insights for incubator leaders and ecosystem partners. Rather than pursuing a uniform model, incubators may build reputation through distinct strategies aligned with their mission, resources and stakeholder expectations, though validation through future research is necessary. Social implications Understanding how social incubators build reputation may help strengthen their credibility, attract resources and amplify their overall social impact. Originality/value This study extends reputation literature to hybrid entrepreneurial support organizations and advances understanding of how legitimacy develops within social entrepreneurship ecosystems. It contributes a novel configurational approach to modeling reputation.