Social Enterprises in Todays World - Essay Example

Social entrepreneurs act as change agents in society by performing the following role:

1. They adopt a goal to sustain and create social value
2. Relentlessly pursue and recognize new opportunities in order to attain the goal
3. They strive to continuously engage in learning, adaptation, and innovation
4. They act in a promising manner despite having limited resources
5. They display great responsibility and accountability to the areas served and for the results created (Cukier et al, 2011).

An example of social entrepreneurship

Take the case of a non – governmental organization, the Spastics Society of India. This was founded by Dr. Mithu Alur in the year 1972 when very little was known about the complex case of cerebral palsy. It was opened initially to provide treatment and education for such children and adults. Today is it one of the premier institutions which works towards this social cause. Now it has gone ahead to promote facilities for the assessment, identification, work experience, training, placement, and socialization of disabled adults.

In the year 1999, The National Resource Centre for Inclusion (NRCI) was established by Dr. Mithu Alur to address the cause of children facing learning difficulties as well as disabled children. The establishment of NRCI led to the marginalization and disempowerment of disabled children and adults. Before this, about 90 percent of such people did not have access to any service, especially those who lived in rural areas (The Spastics Society of India, 2011).

Starting a social enterprise

Many executives have supported the notion that they have economic and moral responsibilities towards their stakeholders.

1. a) To start a social enterprise, the first step is to choose a cause that not only deeply influences an individual but also others. Take the case of protecting the environment. Most people are concerned about the consequences of global warming. One social enterprise could be formed which would create awareness among people about this social cause and also recycle plastic and other waste items to put to more productive use. To turn the venture into a productive unit, more and more people must support the cause.
2. b) The second step is to understand the nature of the cause. The founder needs to extensively research the cause and hold discussions and forums to find out whether there is an acute need to promote the cause.
3. c) The founder must remember that a social enterprise does act for social causes but with the intention of garnering profits. These enterprises also compete against other corporate firms. Hence the business and activities must be done in such a way as to garner profit.

The right kind of people must be chosen to work in the firm. Ideally, the founder should hire like-minded people so that they all work towards a common goal. Employees hire must have the skills, knowledge, and aptitudes to pursue the kind of work required in the organization.

1. d) It is very necessary to successfully establish a global viewpoint. This can be done by extensive research which can be in the form of reading books, articles, websites, blogs, and newspapers and also extensively traveling to form a larger notion about the cause.
2. e) The founder must strive to establish a global presence by reaching out to people.
3. f) Lastly, social enterprises are just like any other business. It must have an aggressive public relations campaign, marketing, and a business plan.