An exploratory study of how useful social incubators are for addressing hybridity tensions in social startups: Evidence from Tunisia

Recent research has explored the role of business support organisations in managing tensions related to hybridity among supported social startups. However, there is limited information about the impact of social incubation programmes on these tensions. This article investigates the various forms of hybridity tensions faced by social startups during incubation programmes and how social incubators help address these challenges. The study adopts a qualitative approach, analysing documents, observations, and interviews with four business and social incubators in Tunisia, alongside a review of relevant literature on hybridity tensions in social startups and incubation programmes. The findings identify two categories of hybridity tensions: the well-known ones highlighted by Smith and Lewis (2011), experienced by the studied social startups during their incubation, and newly recognised tensions. While categorising the hybridity tensions presented here, the study also contributes to academic discussions on entrepreneurial ecosystems by outlining specific ways and the effectiveness in which social incubators support their startups in managing these tensions. Additionally, it provides a deeper understanding of the differences between incubation programmes and social incubation, helping startups navigate hybridity tensions. The paper offers valuable recommendations for social startups and incubator managers on best practices and strategic approaches for recognising and managing hybridity tensions, enabling them to tailor support services more effectively to their incubatees' needs and handle these tensions sustainably. The originality of this research lies in shifting the focus from tensions over dual missions in social startups to the crucial role of incubators in managing these tensions. It adopts an ecosystemic perspective to emphasise the vital role of incubators and investigates how these intermediaries act as catalysts, enabling incubatees to balance purpose and performance within emerging ecosystems.