Harm in the Good?

Our readings this week focused on Creating Policies and Ecosystems for Social Innovation. An ecosystem is defined as “a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their environment.” (Dictionary.com n.d.) If we apply this definition to the social innovation field, it requires that social innovation solutions must take into account the social, political, economic, cultural, religious, and other key factors that affect the lives of those they seek to help. Sadly, this is not the case as many social innovators, philanthropists, charitable givers, etc., embark on their efforts to improve the lives of BOP individuals without fully understanding the many facets of the environment that lead to their current situation.

Take for instance the story of Jason Sadler, an American businessman who embarked on a mission to send one million t-shirts to the poor in Africa. Despite the intended nobility of his idea, Sadler, a novice to foreign aid, was highly criticized by experts in the field. The reason behind this attack was that if successful, Sadler’s efforts had the potential to “flood the market with free goods [which] could bankrupt the [local] people who already sell them.” (Wadhams 2010)

What should be done if we want to prevent more Jason Sadlers, individuals with good intentions, but poor awareness? Should we enact regulations that call for individuals to do adequate research before embarking on social ventures? Should they be required to consult with nonprofits or government agencies on the ground in order to determine if their social venture will do harm or good? How much responsibility does the social innovation field have in this regard?

I say, much, for at its core social innovation does strive to improve the lives of those affected by societal ills. Thus, leaders in the field have a responsibility to enact policies to reduce the likelihood of Jason Sadlers negatively affecting the people they aim to help. Doing so will help ensure that the BOP ecosystem(s) is properly considered so that it is improved and not harmed.

Sources:

Dictionary.com. n.d. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ecosystem (accessed November 22, 2010).

Wadhams, Nick. "Bad Charity?" Time, March 12, 2010: 1.