Using a qualitative methodological approach, the study examines the relationship between the mission statements of 161 Italian B Corps and their social impact performance as measured by the B Impact Assessment (BIA). The research combined several qualitative methods: content analysis, text mining and fsQCA in a homogeneous research design to explore the content of B Corps' mission statements and their influence on social impact performance. The results reveal that B Corp mission statements are complex in nature, combining elements related to philosophy and values, environmental protection, and social benefits with elements that are more distinctly entrepreneurial in nature, such as the drive toward success in markets and economic performance. In addition, content-rich mission statements are associated with better social impact performance, highlighting the role of the mission statement in creating identity and imparting differentiation among B Corp. Finally, in addition to contributing to the strategic literature on socially oriented businesses, this study offers practical recommendations for B Corp entrepreneurs and managers to create clear mission statements that promote positive social impact.
