Reflection Journal - Week 10


Reflection Journal - Week 10
  1. Summary of the main ideas and topics of the week.
This week we learned about Hybrid Businesses. Hybrid Businesses are those that can be either for profit or non-profit. Hybrids use their business models to drive a bigger social mission. A common model from this type of business is the “Buy one, give one” concept that runs certain businesses such as TOMS shoes.
  1. A response to a specific reading, video, or activity. For instance, did something spark interest, surprise, anger, inspire, or confuse you? Reference the content, add your thoughts, and explain your reaction.
I really enjoyed the Kevin Starr TEDTalk video.
I also liked the video that mentioned that mentioned that the “Buy one, give one” model that TOMS has followed doesn’t always work because it doesn’t address the actual problems that these communities without shoes are facing, it’s short-term and it doesn’t help local economies. I think it’s interesting to remember that something that makes us “feel good” doesn’t always actually make a difference in the lives to the extent in which we feel. It made me realize that in this developed country, we sometimes give ourselves credit for being “charitable” when it’s really not even making a significant impact to truly help the root problems of others.
  1. Respond to the weekly prompt.
Week 10 Prompt: What is it about hybrids that make them so successful? I think what makes Hybrids so successful is the way in which the companies uses their products to do good for others while keeping their brand and ideas fresh for their consumers. WikiHow is an example of a hybrid that uses their ideas, keeps costs low due to ads that they promote and allows users to grow their common knowledge on a variety of subjects. Another successful business that has flourished in the U.S. it TOMS shoes. TOMS promotes that for every purchase of their shoes, one is donated to someone who doesn’t have shoes. Although there is a lot of gray area regarding if giving away shoes is the morally best option for communities in need, the business principles have good intentions.



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