Sasta Bhojan Sewa: the pricing dilemma

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Harsimar Kaur ◽  
Gopalakrishnan Narayanamurthy
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Selling Price ◽  
Opportunity Identification ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Social Venture ◽  
The Cost

Learning outcomes After studying this case, students should be able to: understand the process of opportunity identification for forming social enterprises (knowledge), discuss various concepts related to social entrepreneurship and not-for-profit firms (comprehension), apply tools to differentiate between social and commercial enterprises (application), analyze the role of environmental factors like culture in influencing business (analysis) and develop decision-making skills by critically evaluating the options (evaluation). Case overview/synopsis Sasta Bhojan Sewa (SBS) was one of the key projects of Parupkar Sewa Society. The social venture initiated by Jaswinder Singh, a young resident of Ambala (a small town in Haryana, India), got registered as a not-for-profit society in the year 2018. Mr. Singh initiated various social welfare projects since the year 2006 when he got inspired from the history of Sikh Gurus. As years passed, he was able to employ more and more people. This led to the development of a social venture, which had 33 employees at the end of the year 2019. The society was running seven major projects with the help of dasvandh (donations). Project SBS was about providing home-like hygienic meals to people at merely INR10. There were 11 canteens in Ambala city and cantonment, which were being run under that project. Around 1,500 people were eating daily in those canteens, out of which around 70–80 people were not able to pay even INR10. The project had employed 30 people. The salaries of the staff and other operating expenses like liquid petroleum gas (LPG) expense, transportation cost and electricity were met through dasvandh (donations) from the local households. When the project was initiated, the cost of preparing a meal was INR10, but by the end of 2019, the cost went up to INR12 per meal due to food inflation. The meal was still being sold at INR10 at a loss of INR2 per meal. On December 28, 2019, as founder of the society, Mr. Singh was thinking of raising the selling price to INR12 per meal, which had to be implemented on January 01, 2020 but he was doubtful in doing so. He thought increasing the price might defeat the purpose of starting SBS as he was reflecting on how poor people were and how each rupee mattered to them. He was also considering that it might affect the goodwill of the society that was known for selling food at an extremely low price. By using the example of SBS, we explain various concepts of not-for-profit social enterprises like opportunity identification, key drivers, business model canvas and environmental effects in this teaching note. The teaching note also provides cost–benefit analysis of the available options to facilitate effective decision-making. Complexity academic level Undergraduate and graduate-level business programs. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.

Balgran: solving issues of an NGO in Jammu and Kashmir

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Aarushi Mahajan ◽  
Gopalakrishnan Narayanamurthy
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Scaling Up ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Organizational Legitimacy ◽  
Voluntary Organizations ◽  
Jammu And Kashmir ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes have been prepared in accordance with Bloom’s Taxonomy (Bloom et al., 1956). After completing the case, the students shall be able to do the following: • describe the challenges faced by the not-for-profit, non-governmental and voluntary organizations operating at a local level in a conflict-ridden zone (knowledge). • Explain the key features, roles and typologies associated with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) (comprehension), apply such typologies to specific organizations (application) and differentiate between social enterprises and NGOs (analysis). • Analyse various scaling-up techniques and infer the technique(s) used or can be potentially used by a particular organization (analysis). • Synthesize different elements of the organizational environment and reflect on the potential influence of these elements on an organization (synthesis). • Develop frameworks by applying institutional theory and motivations for volunteerism to map challenges of organizational legitimacy and volunteer turnover, respectively, as well as make recommendations to tackle these challenges (synthesis and evaluation) • Develop recommendations for the problems faced by not-for-profit voluntary NGOs (evaluation). Case overview/synopsis Balgran, a local not-for-profit non-governmental voluntary organization operating in the conflict-ridden state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India was established in the year 1975 to empower destitute, orphans, abandoned and socially handicapped children. Since its inception, Balgran has expanded its services at a rapid pace including Bal Bharti public school, health care centre, vocational training and a computer centre. Mr A.K. Khajuria, President of Balgran, was concerned about the high turnover of the voluntary staff, mistrust among the potential donors concerning fund management of NGOs and inadequate funding. Mr Khajuria after a few failed attempts at resolving these issues, called for a meeting of the members of the governing body in February 2019 to decide the future plan of action to resolve these issues. Through this case, the students can understand the challenges faced by local NGOs in general and unique challenges (mistrust among potential donors) faced by NGOs operating in conflict-ridden areas such as J&K. The students will be able to enhance their skills in brainstorming and making recommendations while framing possible solutions to the challenges faced by Balgran. The case seeks to enable the students to comprehend the features and typologies associated with NGOs; the role played by local NGOs in community development; differences between social enterprises and NGOs; scaling-up techniques and paths with special reference to local NGOs and the environmental factors that can potentially influence the operation of NGOs. Complexity academic level This case is suitable for undergraduate and graduate-level students learning social entrepreneurship, social work and management of alternate organizations such as NGOs. This case could be used to discuss concepts related to not-for-profit organizations operating in voluntary settings. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.

Retirement housing for sale and differences in the decision to purchase that are determined by gender or marital status

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Livette
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Married Couples ◽  
Sheltered Housing ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Decision Making Factors ◽  
Retirement Housing

PurposeVarious studies have shown that nearly three‐quarters of older people living within retirement housing are female single persons, leading some researchers to argue that sheltered housing is essentially a gender or health‐related issue, which can be explained demographically. Possible differences in the buyer behaviour of men and women or single people and married couples are ignored. If differences exist, the approaches adopted by not‐for‐profit agencies to improve the decision‐making process may need to differentiate between the sexes and marital states. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to comment on the differences in the process and contrast some of the results of the research.Design/methodology/approachA sample of about 200 respondents was selected from all purchasers of retirement housing in the West Midlands region of England. Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with 20 respondents.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that differences exist of less than one‐fifth of the decision‐making factors explored in the study.Originality/valueDifferences can limit the number of suitable options for the purchaser. Therefore, not‐ for‐profit agencies, when providing information and offering advice about housing alternatives, need to appreciate differences between the sexes and marital states in terms of the provision of stairs, the garden, loneliness and problems or difficulties associated with bereavement; the number of builders contacted and schemes known; and the awareness and consideration stages of the decision‐making process relating to a number of housing alternatives.

Information and reformation in KM systems: big data and strategic decision-making

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Intezari ◽  
Simone Gressel
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
Strategic Decision Making ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Advanced Analytics ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical framework of how knowledge management (KM) systems can facilitate the incorporation of big data into strategic decisions. Advanced analytics are becoming increasingly critical in making strategic decisions in any organization from the private to public sectors and from for-profit companies to not-for-profit organizations. Despite the growing importance of capturing, sharing and implementing people’s knowledge in organizations, it is still unclear how big data and the need for advanced analytics can inform and, if necessary, reform the design and implementation of KM systems. Design/methodology/approach To address this gap, a combined approach has been applied. The KM and data analysis systems implemented by companies were analyzed, and the analysis was complemented by a review of the extant literature. Findings Four types of data-based decisions and a set of ground rules are identified toward enabling KM systems to handle big data and advanced analytics. Practical implications The paper proposes a practical framework that takes into account the diverse combinations of data-based decisions. Suggestions are provided about how KM systems can be reformed to facilitate the incorporation of big data and advanced analytics into organizations’ strategic decision-making. Originality/value This is the first typology of data-based decision-making considering advanced analytics.

The limits to employee involvement? Employee participation without HRM in a small not-for-profit organisation

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Philip ◽  
Jim Arrowsmith
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Employee Involvement ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Employee Participation ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Policies And Practices

PurposeThe strategic human resource management (HRM) literature emphasises the importance of employee involvement and participation for outcomes such as job satisfaction, employee retention and organisational performance. Situational factors identified as conducive to employee participation in decision-making include small size, via less hierarchical, proximate and informal workplace relations. Ownership and mission are also important, with not-for-profit (NFP) organisations generally having more collectivist, commitment-based cultures that support open decision-making. However, such organisations often have weak HRM policies and practices. This paper examines the process and outcomes of employee participation in a small NFP through in-depth case study research.Design/methodology/approachSingle case study utilising longitudinal participant observation, interviews, reflective diary, documentary analysis.FindingsOperating as a collective, the organisation was bound by time and capacity limitations in its ability to plan strategically or even to make routine decisions. Basic HR policies and practices in areas such as staff recruitment and performance management were sub-standard or unobserved. Consequences included poor management, inconsistent training, staff burnout, high labour turnover and sub-optimal performance. The results suggest that weak managerial coordination and the absence of a dedicated HR function subvert effective people management. In such circumstances, strong forms of employee participation fail to deliver anticipated equity and efficiency outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsSingle case study.Practical implicationsSmall organisations need HR policies and dedicated support to ensure that employee involvement and participation are effective.Originality/valueThe findings demonstrate how employee involvement and participation can be subverted by inadequate HR processes, adding qualitative evidence to support theories of HR “bundling” in high-involvement work practices. The research also contributes to the neglected area of HRM in small NFPs.

scholarly journals The distinctive challenges and opportunities for creating leadership within social enterprises

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brad Jackson ◽  
Matthew Nicoll ◽  
Michael J. Roy
Keyword(s):  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Leadership Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
The Social ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Legal Forms

Purpose The purpose of this study is to present a systematic assessment of the distinctive challenges and opportunities associated with creating leadership within the realm of social enterprise. A modified and expanded form of Grint’s leadership lenses heuristic framework (i.e. person, position, process, performance, purpose and place) is used to examine and highlight what is particular about creating leadership in social enterprises by virtue of their distinctive missions, strategic contexts, legal forms and organisational structures and cultures. Based on this initial exploration, five research priorities are identified to better understand and then develop leadership practice in the social enterprise realm. Design/methodology/approach An enhanced heuristic framework for systematically examining leadership within the social enterprise research literature has been applied, drawing on the leadership practice literature. The application is illustrated through six instrumental case studies. Findings While there are a number of similarities between leading in the social enterprise realm and leading within the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, the levels of complexity, ambiguity and the lack of an established theoretical and practical knowledge base makes creating leadership in the social enterprise sector that much more challenging. On the positive side of the ledger, the fact that the purpose is at the core of social enterprise means that it is relatively easier to use the purpose to create a basis for common meaningful action, compared to leadership within the private and public sectors. Related to this, given the strongly local or “glocal” nature of social enterprise, a ready opportunity exists for leaders to draw upon a place as a strategic resource in mobilising followers and other stakeholders. The novel, uncertain and pioneering nature of a social enterprise is also arguably more tolerant and accommodating of a leadership mindset that focuses on posing questions regarding “wicked” problems compared to public, private for-profit and, indeed, traditional not-for-profit sector organisations. Originality/value As far as we can ascertain, this is the first systematic attempt to examine the distinctive challenges and opportunities associated with creating leadership within the social enterprise realm. The application of the heuristic framework leads to the identification of five key inter-related lines of empirical research into leadership practices within social enterprises.

scholarly journals Organizational mimesis and the emergence of industry superannuation in Australia

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard Mees
Keyword(s):  
Trade Unions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Retirement Savings ◽  
Satisfactory Explanation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Actors ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
State Coercion

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the emergence of organizational isomorphism in the industry superannuation sector in Australia. The largest not-for-profit private businesses in the country, the industry funds were created in the 1980s in light of a broader union campaign to extend occupational retirement savings provision to all employees in Australia. Design/methodology/approach The emergence of organizational isomorphism among the industry funds is assessed from the perspective of institutional theory. The study is based on interviews with key players in the establishment of the industry superannuation sector, original archival research as well as contemporary public commentaries and more recent historical assessments. Findings The tripartite framework of institutional isomorphism established by DiMaggio and Powell is unable to explain the emergence of the widespread organizational isomorphism found in industry superannuation. Using the more recent notion of institutional logics allows a more satisfactory explanation for the convergence in models of retirement-savings provision in the industry superannuation sector. Originality/value Organizational isomorphism cannot be described simply in terms of a tripartite framework of professional normativity, state coercion and market-based mimesis. Alternatively governed organizations such as those created by trade unions may develop in a different manner than social enterprises founded by less powerful social actors.

Looking in the mirror

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 486-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Wells
Keyword(s):  
Business Professionals ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Practice ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Individual Perception ◽  
Psychology Theory ◽  
Chartered Accountants ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – There is a widely held stereotypical view that accounting is structured, precise, compliance-driven and repetitive. Drawing on social psychology theory, this paper aims to examine how accountants may contribute to these stereotypical perceptions. Design/methodology/approach – Individual perception data were collected through questionnaires and interviews with accountants from the corporate, public practice and not-for-profit sectors, along with “Chartered Accountants” who no longer work as accountants. Findings – These findings suggest that, contrary to results from an earlier study, the targets of the accounting stereotype contribute to the stereotype formation and maintenance and that increased exposure to accountants may serve only to confirm and reinforce the accounting stereotype. Research limitations/implications – There are a small number of participants in this study, and this limits the ability to generalise the findings. Practical implications – These findings have important implications for the profession in how it communicates and promotes the role of the accountant in society. Failure to address the issues identified may lead the stereotype to become self-fulfilling. This may result in the recruitment of future accountants who lack the required skills and capabilities. This could lead to the loss of non-compliance-related accounting work to other business professionals. Originality/value – This study responds to criticism that little is known about how and why the accounting stereotype is formed and how contact with an accountant may increase stereotypicality. Additionally, this paper proposes a strategy to reduce stereotypicality through contact with accountants.

The career paths of social marketing doctoral graduates

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Dao Truong
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Career Paths ◽  
Research Collaboration ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Doctoral Graduates ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
The Social

Purpose Although the social marketing field has developed relatively quickly, little is known about the careers of students who chose social marketing as their main subject of study. Such research is important not only because it reveals employment trends and mobility but also because it informs policy making with respect to curriculum development as well as raises governmental and societal interest in the social marketing field. This paper aims to analyse the career pathways of doctoral graduates who examined social marketing as the subject of their theses. Doctoral graduates represent a special group in a knowledge economy, who are considered the best qualified for the creation and dissemination of knowledge and innovation. Design/methodology/approach A search strategy identified 209 doctoral-level social marketing theses completed between 1971 and 2015. A survey was then delivered to dissertation authors, which received 117 valid responses. Findings Results indicate that upon graduation, most graduates secured full-time jobs, where about 66 per cent worked in higher education, whereas the others worked in the government, not-for-profit and private sectors. Currently, there is a slight decline in the number of graduates employed in the higher education, government and not-for-profit sectors but an increase in self-employed graduates. A majority of graduates are working in the USA, the UK, Australia and Canada. Overall, levels of international mobility and research collaboration are relatively low. Originality/value This is arguably the first study to examine the career paths of social marketing doctoral graduates.

GoBhaarati- contributing to the “Journey of Healthy Living”

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Vinit Vijay Dani ◽  
Meeta Dasgupta
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Intrinsic Value ◽  
Distribution Channel ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Start Up

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes of this paper is as follows: to showcase how a futuristic mission and planned branding initiatives can help start-up social enterprise to create a successful brand; to explain how a comprehensive understanding of the target group and innovative products/services and channel strategies help GoBhaarati position itself as an upcoming not for profit social enterprise; to argue how proper brand mission and branding can help even a small startup to create a brand identity in a fiercely competitive fragmented market dominated by big players; the constraints GoBhaarati faced in constituting and aligning distribution channel. These impulsions can have legal, environmental and or managerial foundations. Case overview/synopsis GoBhaarati Agro Industries and Private Limited (GoBhaarati) operated as a nonprofit social enterprise in the Health and Wellness Industry, providing natural indigenous traditional Indian products such as millets, honey, turmeric, jaggery, rock salt and serving millet-based snacks to consumers. At the epicenter of Gobhaarati's branding strategy was its health and wellness positioning. The company's mission was to increase the positive perception of millets and to convince consumers that there was intrinsic value in a product's origin and production processes. Iriventi aimed to achieve a turnover of at least ten crores by 2025, but the company's sales and financial resources were limited. With this clouding in mind, Iriventi could not decide whether to let GoBhaarati stay niche in business or to expand it organically. Complexity academic level Graduate and executive management education students can use the case. The case may also be used to focus on entrepreneurship and distribution management for start-up social enterprises. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 8: Marketing.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document