Management in a Company

Lim & Chia (2016) Social Entrepreneurship:

Improving Global Health

http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2528220

As a NUS BBA student, I consider myself to be adequately familiar with the corporate business model, but insufficiently informed about the business model from the other spectrum; social enterprises. This paper brought me new insights into the notion of social entrepreneurship.

The existence of the United Nation is heartening, as their presence ensures that people from the lowest social class are not overlooked. However, even though social problems are being recognised, it does not necessarily mean that countries will act on it and attempt to resolve the issue; such as basic healthcare need. Besides, it is the reluctance as well as failure of government and markets to attend to such needs that give rise to social entrepreneurs.

In my opinion, social entrepreneurship is a noble path to embark on, albeit an arduous one. The individual has to create a viable and sustainable business model that not only seeks to create supply for an unmet demand, but also ensure that their model addresses social needs. It is beyond merely satisfying economic needs.

There is a paradigm shift towards social entrepreneurship; evidently in the increased government promotion, NGOS adopting social entrepreneurial practices and the list goes on. This signifies that the outlook and perception people have about social entrepreneurship are optimistic and favourable.  

This paper conveys the importance and relevance of social entrepreneurs, as well as the tangible social success that can be brought about.

It however, also illuminates a balanced viewpoint of social entrepreneurship. Instead of placing social entrepreneurs on a glorious pedestal, it also sheds some light on the downside of social ventures. The sustainability and scalability of businesses will never be certain, and social enterprises are no exception. My attention was brought to the statement about social ventures producing unintended consequences. I was reminded about the notion of well-being trade-offs brought about by managerial practices. I found it to be highly relatable to this paper; with the scope being on healthcare. As healthcare is a very delicate issue, trade-offs might result in consequences that may make rectification onerous.  

I feel that the existence of social entrepreneurs helps to weed out social problems at its roots, curbing potential amplifications that will incur greater costs and social problems for the country. Take the Aravind Eye Care System for example; they work to prevent and cure blindness. Without them, these citizens lack the avenue to seek treatment and when their eyes are beyond cure, the cost of caring for them will skyrocket. The ramifications are vast and disastrous; labour problems and family issues are just one of the many repercussion.