Before starting this Social Business course I was apprehensive about business because the world of business appeared to be a self-motivated one where individuals sought to gain finance from one another under the guise of assistance (be it offering products at unreasonably high prices, offering loans with steep interest rates, etc.). This system pushes the world’s poor even deeper into poverty as if to bury them in a hole that grows deeper and deeper. Beginning this course I had many doubts, but through studying the concept of social business and how economics can be used to empower others I began to adjust my perspective and see the potential for finance to improve livelihood, not endanger it. This understanding helped me analyze evidence in a new light, appreciate different perspectives, and see the overlap in different systems.
In Muhammad Yunus’ book, Social Business: The New Kind of Capitalism that Serves Humanity’s Most Pressing Needs, Yunus demonstrates the lens necessary to address social issues. One must look at their community with perceptive eyes, identifying issues which we are accustomed to ignoring (such as homelessness); we must use this knowledge as evidence of a particular issue which we are compelled to alleviate; use our creative problem solving mindset and determination and create a social business solution. This method of analyzing, identifying, and addressing, has helped me to be proactive and look for evidence of solutions within issues.
The perspective Yunus brings to business is one which collaborates with peers in the best interest of helping others. For example, one of the principles of social business is to avoid paternalism; this principle is fundamental because no one will support a business that pities them. This approach values other people’s perspectives, particularly those whose voices are not given legitimacy. Learning about social business and its spirit, I have come to appreciate more deeply different perspectives. With this appreciation comes the awareness of the many systems (such as economics) which can work in harmony.
While business could exist in its own sphere and philanthropy in another, social business has taught me the benefits of synergy between different systems. Social business combines sustainable business with social good, a combination which meets the needs of many and brings an uplifting spirit to a field concerned with personal finance. Rather than viewing systems as independent, conflicting arenas, I have learned to address issues with cohesive solutions which sample different methods and perspectives from various fields, creating a method tailored for a particular issue.
In conclusion, this social business course has helped me adopt a new perspective to problem solving which analyzes solutions cohesively and broadly. This new understanding allows me to view society and its shortcomings with a tactful eye, address issues creatively, and consider different perspectives when making decisions. Muhammad Yunus is certainly a leader in the field of business, and through this course I have learned to apply some of his learnings to my own mindset in the hopes of building leadership skills and capacities. I have learned that leadership is not simply going forward, barging past barriers mindlessly to accomplish a set goal, but collaborating and discussing steps with different people, appreciating their input and building a cohesive plan with a sure foundation. The leadership skills I have gained during this course will assist me as I continue to learn about leadership and its complex and intricate components.
