Initiatives in a Limbo: Finding a Common Ground for Corporate Social Responsibility, Social Innovation, and Social Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Subject Area

Corporate Social Responsibility.

Study Level

This case is suitable to be used in advanced undergraduate and MBA/MSc level.

Case Overview

This case is about the conflict between Prof Bakar, the new Dean of Progressive Technical University (PTU), and the lecturers teaching the social innovation course. PTU was established in 1985 to provide opportunities for rural students to pursue technical education. Both parties had differing opinions over the suitability of projects in the social innovation curriculum. Dean Bakar was adamant that CSR is charity-based and therefore not suitable for the social innovation class. As the case unfolded, it was clear that each lecturer had different views about the course – indicating the wide-spectrum of views on the relationship between CSR and social innovation as well as social entrepreneurship. The case provides opportunities to deliberate on what constitutes “social purpose,” the 17 sustainable developmental goals, the global movement of social entrepreneurship and social innovation, impact investing and harvesting, as well as indigenous wisdom. The main trigger of the case is how to resolve the conflict and come up with an improved version of the course content, as well as a comparison framework for CSR, social innovation, and social entrepreneurship.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Using this case study, the students will be able to:

• compare CSR, social innovation, and social entrepreneurship;

• understand CSR activities and explain their main features based on the given case facts;

• analyze and solve the conflict between Dean Bakar and the six social innovation lecturers;

• propose solutions on how to review the social innovation course; and

• discuss how different perceptions could affect decision-making.

Citation

Mason, C. (2019), "Initiatives in a Limbo: Finding a Common Ground for Corporate Social Responsibility, Social Innovation, and Social Entrepreneurship", Quoquab, F. and Mohammad, J. (Ed.) Green Behavior and Corporate Social Responsibility in Asia, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 123-139. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78756-683-520191014