Exploring Adaptability of the Grameen Model in UK-USA Contexts

The Grameen microfinance model is globally recognized for its impact on poverty alleviation. This paper examines the factors affecting its adaptability within the socio-regulatory landscapes of the UK and the US. This study employs a qualitative case study approach, synthesizing retrospective and real-time case studies from the UK and the US. Semi-structured interviews with institutional entrepreneurs and key decision-makers were conducted, alongside secondary data analysis. Findings suggest that operational challenges arise from deviations in adhering to the model’s core principles, compounded by local socio-regulatory influences. Grameen America (GA) exemplifies how adherence to these principles can yield successful outcomes. GA’s achievements underscore the supportive role of immigrant entrepreneurship dynamics and a relatively flexible regulatory environment in fostering the model’s efficacy. This study contributes to the literature on social enterprise and institutional entrepreneurship by applying an institutional logics framework to understand the challenges and successes of the Grameen model in developed economies. The research offers insights into how social enterprises can navigate institutional complexities.