How to Design and Implement Social Business Models for Base-of-the-Pyramid (BoP) Markets?

This article studies for-profit social enterprises, which bundle entrepreneurial attitude with the passion to design and implement inclusive business models targeting the basic needs at the Base-of-the-Pyramid (BoP). The research objective involves understanding the challenges and strategic choices...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of development research 2015-12, Vol.27 (5), p.850-867
Main Authors: Goyal, Sandeep, Sergi, Bruno S, Jaiswal, Mahadeo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Business metrics
Business models
Data analysis
Data collection
Design
Development and Social Change
Development Economics
Development Policy
Development Studies
Dilemmas
Economic development
Economic impact
Ecosystems
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship
Ethics
Identification
Identity
Informal economy
Infrastructure
Market orientation
Markets
NGOs
Nongovernmental organizations
Original Article
Profit margins
Qualitative research
Research methodology
Research methods
Sanitation
Social capital
Social change
Social entrepreneurship
Social responsibility
Social Sciences
Socioeconomic factors
Studies
Urban areas
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Summary:This article studies for-profit social enterprises, which bundle entrepreneurial attitude with the passion to design and implement inclusive business models targeting the basic needs at the Base-of-the-Pyramid (BoP). The research objective involves understanding the challenges and strategic choices required for inclusive business models at the BoP. A qualitative multi-case-based research methodology is used for data collection and analysis. The experience of four social enterprises studied helps to gauge the ‘provisioning-for-all’ discourse, and resolve the theoretical tension as to why ‘self-sustaining’ should mean ‘profit driven’, as self-sustaining can signify ‘not-for-profit’ as well. The BoP market challenges include market imperfections; ethical dilemmas; missed identity; scarce resources; identifying real needs; quantifying socio-economic impact. The corresponding strategic choices are identified and mapped to the challenges, to enable social entrepreneurs to implement better informed decisions and social interventions at the BoP.
ISSN:0957-8811
1743-9728
DOI:10.1057/ejdr.2014.71