Poverty Reduction through Social Business?
Kerstin Humberg
Cite this publication as
Kerstin Humberg, Poverty Reduction through Social Business? (2011), oekom verlag, München, ISBN: 9783865813596
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Description / Abstract
Since Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus first began launching joint ventures with multinational corporations such as Group Danone (2006) and Veolia Water (2008) in Bangladesh, his social business concept has received international attention.
What is a social business and how can it contribute to poverty reduction? Using the example of Bangladesh, this book systematically explores Yunus†™ theoretical propositions in relation to relevant development policy contexts. Two case studies then investigate Grameen Danone†™s and Grameen Veolia†™s challenges in their business operations, mitigation strategies, and livelihood outcomes for the poor. While Grameen Danone Foods Ltd. aims to fight child malnutrition by selling fortified yoghurt, Grameen Veolia Water Ltd. provides rural communities with treated river water in arsenic-affected areas. As this is the first comprehensive empirical study of Yunus†™ pioneering experiments in his home country, this book provides exciting first-hand insights for academics, development practitioners, and social entrepreneurs alike.
What is a social business and how can it contribute to poverty reduction? Using the example of Bangladesh, this book systematically explores Yunus†™ theoretical propositions in relation to relevant development policy contexts. Two case studies then investigate Grameen Danone†™s and Grameen Veolia†™s challenges in their business operations, mitigation strategies, and livelihood outcomes for the poor. While Grameen Danone Foods Ltd. aims to fight child malnutrition by selling fortified yoghurt, Grameen Veolia Water Ltd. provides rural communities with treated river water in arsenic-affected areas. As this is the first comprehensive empirical study of Yunus†™ pioneering experiments in his home country, this book provides exciting first-hand insights for academics, development practitioners, and social entrepreneurs alike.
Description
Kerstin Maria Humberg is a business consultant with a leading international management consultancy. She studied Geography in Hamburg and obtained a doctor†™s degree in Human Geography from Cologne University. During her field research, she joined Muhammad Yunus in his effort to develop sustainable business solutions for low-income consumers at the base of the economic pyramid.
Table of content
- Poverty Reduction through Social Business?
- Acknowledgements
- Abstract
- Content
- List of Figures, Tables and Maps
- Figures
- Tables
- Maps
- List of Abbreviations
- 1 Introduction
- 1.1 Cognitive Interest and Objectives
- 1.2 Scope of Research
- 1.3 Research Position, Design, and Process
- 1.4 Definition of Key Terms and Concepts
- 1.5 Structure
- 2 Mapping the Field: Social Business and Relevant Contexts
- 2.1 Social Business: Origins of Yunus†™ Idea
- 2.2 In Search of Macroeconomic Solutions to Global Poverty
- 2.3 From Macro to Micro: About Business in Society and at the Base of the Pyramid
- 2.4 Social Perspectives: About Non-Profits, Co-Ops and Social Enterprises
- 2.5 Interim Results
- 3 State of the Art and Research Desideratum
- 3.1 (Grameen) Social Business
- 3.2 Social Entrepreneurship at the BOP
- 3.3 Research Desideratum
- 4 Poverty in Bangladesh
- 4.1 Previous Development and Poverty Reduction Efforts in Bangladesh
- 4.2 Bangladesh†™s Poverty Scenario Today
- 4.3 Interim Results and Socioeconomic Outlook
- 5 Bangladesh†™s Social Business Scene
- 5.1 Major Hybrid Players
- 5.2 Legal, Political, and Societal Frameworks
- 5.3 Interim Results and Prospects
- 6 Field Research Methodology
- 6.1 Multiple Case Study Approach
- 6.2 Case Selection and Brief Description
- 6.3 Theoretical Propositions and Case Study Questions
- 6.4 Analytical Frameworks
- 6.5 Data Collection Process and Techniques
- 6.6 Course of Data Analysis
- 6.7 Data Interpretation
- 6.8 Limitations and Constraints
- 7 Grameen Danone Foods Ltd.: Fortified Yoghurt for the Poor
- 7.1 Setting the Scene
- 7.2 Grameen Danone†™s Business Model at a Glance
- 7.3 Performance Against Business Objectives
- 7.4 Major Challenges in Business Operation
- 7.5 Mitigation Strategies
- 7.6 Performance Against Social Objectives
- 7.7 Livelihood Outcomes
- 7.8 Summary and Discussion
- 8 Grameen Veolia Water Ltd.: Safe Water for All
- 8.1 Setting the Scene
- 8.2 Grameen Veolia†™s Business Model at a Glance
- 8.3 Performance Against Business Objectives
- 8.4 Major Challenges in Business Operation
- 8.5 Mitigation Strategies
- 8.6 Performance Against Social Objectives
- 8.7 Livelihood Outcomes
- 8.8 Summary and Discussion
- 9 Cross-Case Analysis
- 9.1 Business Performance and Commercial Viability
- 9.2 Social Performance and Livelihood Outcomes
- 9.3 Opportunities, Limitations, and Risks
- 10 Conclusion and Perspectives
- 10.1 What is Social Business?
- 10.2 What are the Lessons Learnt from the Field?
- 10.3 What are Major Opportunities, Limitations, and Risks?
- 10.4 Implications and Perspectives
- 10.5 Ten Social Business Theses
- 10.6 Outlook
- 11 References
- Appendix
- A1: List of Interviewees
- A2: Interview Guidelines
- A3: Focus Group Guidelines and FGD Statistics
- A4: Transcript of Interview with Muhammad Yunus