Born Benefit vs Became Benefit: A Comparative Analysis of Governance and Purpose

This thesis examines the shift from traditional profit-based business models to a new vision of entrepreneurship centered on social and environmental purpose. Within this evolving context, it explores the differences between companies that were born as Benefit Corporations and those that became Benefit Corporations over time. Through a comparative analysis of governance structures and declared impact purposes, the study investigates how purpose is embedded in organizational models. Based on a dataset of over 3,000 Benefit Corporations in Italy, the research highlights emerging patterns in purpose-driven entrepreneurship and the evolving role of business in society.