Inequality is a deeply embedded feature of the contemporary world order. Elites across the world are aware of the dangers inherent in the present situation. In western societies, political leaders have been drawn into discourses on fairness relating to high and low pay, taxation, tax avoidance and access to services such as education and health. Entrepreneurial philanthropists seek to address the chronic problems resulting from social inequalities bring to their interventions not only money but also their name, networks and expertise, often partnering with governments and international agencies. This research focuses through comparative analysis on the world making endeavours of these entrepreneurial philanthropists, on their motivations, the scale of their activities, and their capacity to make a difference as agents for change.

Key researchers:

Charles Harvey, Mairi Maclean, Roy Suddaby and Pauline Dixon

This project builds upon the prior research by Harvey and Maclean (with Gordon and Shaw) on the philanthropic journeys of successful entrepreneurs, and on research by Maclean, Harvey and Kling explicating Bourdieu’s concept of the field of power. It is quantitative and qualitative, historical and contemporary, conceptual and empirical, exploring the role of philanthropy in the exercise of power by elites in a world of inequality.

Key researchers:

Mairi Maclean, Charles Harvey, Gerhard Kling, Ben Golant

This project examines the ethical issues that arise when super wealthy individuals, through the vehicle of big philanthropy, seek to further extend their social reach and influence, ideologically and practically, transferring ideas and practices from business to non-profit sectors. At its core is an extensive bank of interviews conducted with entrepreneurial philanthropists, philanthropy professionals, beneficiaries and partner organizations such as government agencies.

Key researchers:

Jillian Gordon, Charles Harvey, Mairi Maclean

The local and regional aspects of philanthropic giving are largely unexplored outside North America. This project takes the standpoint that localism matters as communities strive for renewal and respond to the challenges of globalization and rapid economic and social change. Regional and local entrepreneurs often have a strong commitment to the communities in which they have worked and enabled them to prosper, engaging locally in schemes for economic regeneration and community building. Here we examine the rise of UK Community Foundations as one component of a network of local elites (entrepreneurs, financiers, professionals, officials, and politicians) focused on the necessity for collective action and social renewal.

Key researchers:

Charles Harvey, Mairi Maclean, Ruomei Yang  and Frank Mueller

This project focuses upon the role of wealthy women in the selection, promotion and management of philanthropic initiatives. This is an unexplored topic as men have so often taken centre stage in the history of philanthropy. In more recent times women have risen to the fore as successful entrepreneurs and philanthropic partners, helping set new agendas in response to contemporary economic and social problems. Here we explore the particular contribution made by wealthy women comparatively, across time and space in Britain, Canada, Australia and the United States.

Key researchers:

Jillian Gordon and Charles Harvey