The political and structural framework conditions of the social economy are subject to constant, sometimes rapid changes. Both the practical and theoretical aspects of the social economy have developed significantly over the past five years. This requires continuous adjustments and changes in the training and education of leaders in social service organizations. The 4th updated and expanded edition imparts fundamental and advanced knowledge on relevant topics: basics and history of the social economy, social policy developments at the European, federal, and local levels, providers, competitors, fields of action and services, typology, legal forms and corporate governance of social economy organizations, quality management and social marketing, as well as privatization, financial management, and risk management.