Week 4: Social Entrepreneurship

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”

 “Social entrepreneurship is all about recognizing the social problems and achieving a social change by employing entrepreneurial principles, processes and operations.” (managementstudyguide, 2012)

In this century, societies have dramatically leaned towards competitive capitalism kind of economy as you will get the financial status you want and fulfill the desires in your life. The initial intention of such business in this economy is to make and maximize profit out of it, and it promotes being “SELFISH”. It makes the poor poorer and you richer and richer!

Not saying that such business is bad but it is time to start thinking a little differently. I am sure many of us would want to see that everyone is living a happy life so by engaging yourself in a ‘selfish business’ is difficult to help others and it is definitely not sustainable by giving them money. Not only you are looking down on them, you are also trying to challenge their dignity. Hence, Social Entrepreneurship is definitely one of the better choices.

Do you think by giving these people just a donation of some money out of profit made in the conventional business kind, could succeed to help the society? NO, because helping people to learn how to fish is more sustainable than giving them fish. Also you learn to love and will be loved by others. That’s in our human nature. Also, it is the value you create that goes to the society which will than develop your community to become a more caring and loving place to live in. You, yourself also benefit from it as a member of the same society.

Social entrepreneurship has been experiencing a growing trend in recent years. Though it has the same characteristics like conventional business entrepreneurship, one of the major difference is on its focus and vision. Social entrepreneurship focus is to directly help people in the community and ensure great social change.

Be the Change you want to make and stick towards the vision and not get distracted by the profits and fame you have achieved.

Reference:

managementstudyguide. (2012). What is Social Entrepreneurship? Retrieved November 13, 2012, from Management Study Guide: http://www.managementstudyguide.com/social entrepreneurship.htm