Week 4 Post - Moving Away from "The Nonprofit Model"

In considering both our discussion this past Thursday as well as a few of the readings for this week, I've been focusing on the idea that, to a degree, the current approach of many nonprofit organizations is misguided. Let me be clear though: many nonprofits have been crucial to combating various social problems and concerns. But at the same time, I'm more drawn to the idea we've established in class - that the market is the most adequate solution in most situations to most problems. I think this point is illustrated more aptly with international examples: across many cultures, to simply be given something can be perceived as insulting. (I'm speaking more towards "disruptive" technological innovations like a new watering mechanism than basic necessities like water itself.) When certain innovations are freely provided for a given population, that population may view the "gift-giver" more of a hegemonic force than a a generous one. That's why the for-profit watering systems - which were still affordable to locals but generated enough profit to make the organization self-sufficient - was such a happy medium. I fully believe that the role of an social entrepreneur is not to simply provide without question, but to make innovations (or any good for that matter) more attainable/accessible for given population. What I gather from Marci Alboher's article for this week is that "social businesses" or even "socially-responsible" businesses are the way of the future when it comes to introducing specific innovations. After all, what better way to motivate an organization to meet a goal than to make it profit-seeking? I honestly feel that if companies are specifically created to meet a social need, then they are as good if not better than nonprofits at meeting that need. (I equally feel that those worrying about corruption or exploitation by these businesses must also concede that these concerns exist even with nonprofits today. Hence, this wouldn't be anything new.) Of course, many questions remain such as whether these businesses are better suited being homegrown (i.e. conceived by peers in the native population) or from outside observers presenting a new, never-before-seen solution. Both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses but I think each could be used appropriately in different situations. Finally, would I apply this to the innovation my group is working on for this class? I'm not sure, since our innovation (tutoring center+) aims to combat deficiency more than enhance efficiency. (It idealistically would do both, but the specific school district we're hoping to help is literally in the bottom ten districts when it comes to academic performance. As such, our overall goal is to stem the tide of poor performances, while helping to foster high-achievers in the process. I'm not too sure if we can charge our selected clientele at a profit-sustaining rate.) EDIT - I have added a link from the Toronto Star basically reaffirming the role of business in promoting social goals. The point is again made that nonprofits need to readjust their approaches in order to be more sustainable. Additionally, the article cites how "green" initiatives by for-profit organizations are a great example of fulfilling a mission while actually profiting off of the idea at the same time.