Hybrid pathways to societal impact: Challenges and opportunities

Hybrid organizations are increasingly recognized as pivotal in addressing the complex and multifaceted challenges of modern society. However, the concept of ‘hybridity’—and the conditions under which hybrid organizations can deliver societal value—remains underexplored. Far from being a passing trend, hybridity is becoming deeply embedded in sustainability thinking. Organizations are progressively moving from a stance of ‘doing no harm,’ by minimizing negative impacts, to ‘doing good,’ by maximizing positive societal contributions.
This dissertation makes several significant contributions to the body of knowledge on hybrid organizations. The first study addresses the foundational aspects of hybridity classification, advocating for a taxonomical rather than typological approach. The second study examines the institutional challenges faced by different hybridity archetypes, offering a literature-based framework. Notably, this inquiry is set within a developed urban economy context, expanding the conversation beyond the emerging market focus that dominates current research. The final study breaks new ground by integrating previously isolated fields of research—complexity, economic resilience, and system-change interventions—culminating in an innovative analytical model.
In addition to its academic contributions, this dissertation offers practical insights for managers and policymakers, providing recommendations for navigating and leveraging hybridity within sustainability frameworks.