Too often we are drawn to think about philanthropy and charities in terms of a softer, kinder model, less business focused. Because the product is not widgets, financial gains or consumables, but human caring, it is tempting to believe the business of philanthropy is just as soft and touchy/feelie.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not being snarky about the work of charities. My heart is where they operate. I can think of no greater calling than to be working to help mankind. Truly. And I also believe that working to help mankind is not solely relegated to charities. Many businesses in the course of their work can, and have, effectively positioned their business model to acheive gains in their financial standing AND help mankind.
And so I believe charities can balance that concept as well. By this I mean, charities can help mankind and acheive significant financial gains. To do so, we need to think like a business. Just as business needs to think like charity to acheive their mutual ends.
A melding of concepts, could this be an evolution for two very seperate frames of thought in the MBA world?