Organizations & Social Issues Research Group

The Organizations & Social Issues (OSI) Research Group at the Welch College of Business & Technology (WCBT) fosters interdisciplinary, project-based research focused on the intersection of business and society. The group emphasizes collaborative, impact-driven research in areas such as community engagement, nonprofit management, social entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, public policy and business ethics. 

Through collaboration, research and knowledge sharing, the OSI Research Group advances thought leadership and deepens understanding of socially responsible and impactful organizational practices. The group actively engages with both academic and practitioner communities through conferences, publications and collaborative initiatives.

Objectives 

• Contribute to knowledge and establish thought leadership in nonprofit organizations  
• Advance understanding of business practices and theories related to social entrepreneurship in for-profit and nonprofit organizations  
• Conduct research and provide training in ethical decision-making, corporate social responsibility and social entrepreneurship  
• Promote interdisciplinary research and collaboration across business and nonbusiness disciplines  

Faculty Leadership

Current Projects, Publications & Initiatives 

• Research in "Innovation in nonprofit organizations in the post-pandemic era: an exploratory study": New England Journal of Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship and Society (Special issue)
• New England Journal of Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship and Society, Volume 28, Number 1 (Special issue edited by OSI faculty)
• Ongoing interdisciplinary research on social entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility and public policy

Research and Collaboration Activities 

The OSI Research Group supports its mission through a range of scholarly, research and collaborative activities, including: 

• Publishing and contributing to special issues in academic journals  

• Organizing and participating in workshops, conferences and symposia to foster collaboration 

• Collaborating with the Center for Nonprofits on research projects and training programs  

• Presenting research at local, regional and international conferences  

• Exploring grant and funding opportunities to support OSI research initiatives  

• Leveraging research tools, graduate support and external partnerships to advance projects and initiatives  

• Within WCBT: supporting multidisciplinary research across business disciplines  

• Across the University: partnering with faculty from other colleges  

• Externally: engaging with for-profit and nonprofit organizations and the broader academic community  

The group also provides mentorship opportunities for junior faculty, supporting research development and collaboration.

Contact 

For more information about the OSI Research Group or how to join, contact:

Grace Guo, Ph.D.
chun-guog@sacredheart.edu
Welch College of Business & Technology

Ximeng Chen, Ph.D.
chenx2@sacredheart.edu
College of Arts & Sciences