Thinking back on the questions thrown by parents during BZSE open house makes me wonder why do people still place doubt in setting up of social enterprises, only to realize that most parent have yet to see the importance of social enterprise in Singapore.
This are the 2 main questions asked during my open house duty:
"Why do my daughter have to study in BZSE when there is business studies?"
"Businesses can also contribute to the community, why the need of SE?"
Basically I think that it is important for people to see the difference between commercial businesses and social enterprises.
Commercial businesses are profit-driven where their strategy works towards earning more income and higher turnover however for social enterprises, it is a business which is driven by a social cause.
Yes though it is true that businesses can also contribute back to the society where it falls as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) but i would say that most companies do this just for the sack of their company's value and reputation, they do not contribute back into the society because they are really genuine to do so.
But of course I am not implying that everyone who starts a social enterprise began with a genuine motive as well. Some may have started social enterprise in hope of gaining fame, spotlight, generating more income through the social cause that the organization holds.
In my own opinion, while commercial businesses are important in boosting the economy, i feel that social enterprise is definitely a MUST, especially when we are living in such a fast paced society. People often forget the need to do something for the community and social enterprises are there to ensure that such positive spirits continue to practised as well as grow in the coming generation.
Commercial businesses are profit-driven where their strategy works towards earning more income and higher turnover however for social enterprises, it is a business which is driven by a social cause.
Yes though it is true that businesses can also contribute back to the society where it falls as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) but i would say that most companies do this just for the sack of their company's value and reputation, they do not contribute back into the society because they are really genuine to do so.
But of course I am not implying that everyone who starts a social enterprise began with a genuine motive as well. Some may have started social enterprise in hope of gaining fame, spotlight, generating more income through the social cause that the organization holds.
In my own opinion, while commercial businesses are important in boosting the economy, i feel that social enterprise is definitely a MUST, especially when we are living in such a fast paced society. People often forget the need to do something for the community and social enterprises are there to ensure that such positive spirits continue to practised as well as grow in the coming generation.
sup Kiahgek,
ReplyDeleteThat is right! Although there is business studies which is similar to bzse, we learn about social issues that exist within the community and near us.
I feel that such social modules should also be included in the business studies students' curriculum as social issues affect us directly or indirectly.
The modules will provide awareness for these students who are not conscious of what is happening around the world.
And I feel the main difference between a commercial business and a social enterprise lies on word - 'Passion'.
With passion, one can do anything and forgo the materialistic stuffs in the world and reap on the intrinsic profits! :-)
Hi kiahgek!
ReplyDeleteI also received the same kind of questions from all those parents during open house. One of my friends thinking of applying to Ngeeann also asked me, 'What is a SE. Will I gain anything If I set up a SE. What will my future be like?'
Like what you had mentioned, SEs are definitely something different, something that ought to be present in this face paced society. I answered my friend by saying that a SE allows you get closer to people and see things in many different perspective. SEs show us how profits are not everything but still are important.
Similarly like what ChingSiang had said, passion! PASSION is emphasized by many (including Mr Koh from Dignity Kitchen). This is the difference between normal businesses and SEs. People open businesses because they aim to make profits from their passion. BUT! Other 'special ' people set up SEs to pursue their passion in a much better, for-others, life-changing, empowering and impacting way.
SEs YAY! OF COURSE!
I agree with Kiahgek, that social entrepreneurship is slowly becoming a must, especially in a world plagued with social problems. It is sad to know that not many people understand the concept of social entrepreneurship, and the difference it is able to make in the world. Many people are too concerned in getting good grades and monetary gains that they do not see the fact that there is a way to earn money and help the world at the same time. I do agree with Chingsiang and xinyi, that passion is indeed the most important thing when it comes to social entrepreneurship.
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