Do Social Entrepreneurs EXPLOIT causes or LEVERAGE them

[Brian Linton]

So, something that I regularly think about when I see social causes associated with companies is whether or not they are exploiting the cause or really do care about what they supposedly support...

And if they do really care about the cause I like to look at how they are leveraging their support of the cause in an effort to increase business (which in turn further benefits the cause they support).

But the question that always comes back to me is, What is the difference between exploiting a cause and simply leveraging a cause? It is a fine line. But the main difference is whether or not the company's leadership truly cares about the cause they have chosen to support.

People who exploit causes don't care about the cause.

But still, the difference is not always easy to see.

What do you guys think? Any companies you see that are obviously exploiting a social cause, or on the other hand, have you seen any who truly care and are just leveraging it?? Let's hear your thoughts!

keep it blue!
Brian

You can read more about this exact topic at Nothing to Lose » Exploiting vs Leveraging – How To Choose Your Company’s Social Cause and Avoid Exploitation
And you can read more insights into entrepreneurship by me at Nothing to Lose - Entrepreneurial Lessons and Adventures

[mapguy]

I believe that you are right, in the sense that almost all companies strive to do both. If you look at successful companies, that is exactly what they did when they started out. Saw a way to make something better, made it, and leveraged the market that sorely needed the service/product.

[Brian Linton]

Mapguy, you are right.

And I had to revisit this post because I am at the SurfExpo tradeshow in Orlando this week and saw a great brand here called 'I love Tattas', as in I love breasts or boobs, etc.

It is a line in support of breast cancer... and it is selling like crazy. So are they exploiting their cause or leveraging it? I would say leveraging it, as they seem fairly well involved with their cause. But at the same time, they are a for-profit company that realized they could make money off of supporting breast cancer.

interesting...

For more entrepreneurial insights and tips, feel free to visit my website: Nothing to Lose - Entrepreneurial Lessons and Adventures

Cheers,
Brian

[mthomas]

Very interesting question. It is indeed a fine line between exploiting and leveraging causes/opportunities. In fact, I'm not even sure if there is a difference in this case.

I think the question is, is exploiting a cause really a bad thing if good, quality consumer products are being produced, and the company themselves are socially responsible? It the company is a good corporate citizen, then is exploiting a cause bad?

Exploiting or leveraging a cause...isn't that just capitalism all the same? In business (in this context) are leveraging and exploiting synonyms?

[Shadesz]

I would agree with mthomsa.

To me it comes down to the individual. Sure a company makes money. Mine I want to make me lots of money. Does that mean I am exploiting the problem? Depends on what I want to do with that money...