As of mid-2008, 18 societal businesses have been established, including a supply chain of organic foods with five retail shops, two restaurants and a farm. Despite success in its social mission, the social enterprises are just partly self-sustaining.
The management also tackle the challenges of unbelievable market competition, growing business complexities and more stringent government regulations on food safety. The skill of New Life to handle these issues is inhibited by the fact that the majority of its management staff come from social work or other non-business backgrounds. To scale up its business and to reach self-sustainability, it is critical for the organization to revisit its management and human resources strategies, and find methods to improve the fiscal operation of its social businesses.
PUBLICATION DATE: July 03, 2009 PRODUCT #: HKU871-HCB-ENG
This is just an excerpt. This case is about INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP