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Title:
The Sekem initiative: A holistic vision to develop people .
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Authors:
Mair, J., Seelos, C.
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Summary:
The case describes the complex circumstances surrounding Sekem's decision to grow along the chosen path of holistic development in the social, economic and cultural spheres. It documents the history of the initiative and lays out the major constituents and their internal and external relations. Founded by Ibrahim Abouleish, in 2003 Sekem consisted of three components: the Sekem group of companies, the Egyptian Society for Cultural Development, and the cooperative of Sekem employees. Together, these three branches employed more than 2,000 people. Sekem was also the center of a large network of farmers and companies in Egypt and abroad. It ran a medical center for the local community, a kindergarten, primary and secondary schools, an adult training center, special needs education programmes, and an academy for applied arts and sciences. In 2003, Abouleish won the Right Livelihood Award, also known as the "Alternative Nobel Price", with Sekem being recognized as a blueprint for organizations in the 21st century.
The case focuses on growing an organization whose main goal is social value creation. It supports rich discussion on a range of issues. One is entrepreneurship and the way Abouleish gathered various types of tangible and intangible resources as a basis for value creation and overcame hurdles against all odds. Another perspective is that of organizational structure and/or corporate strategy, with a focus on synergies between organizational units. Finally, there is the challenge of growing Sekem to fulfill its 200-year goal of making a significant difference to Egyptian society. Also, the sustainability of the project depends on succession and finding the right person to drive Sekem's development in the future. |
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Date:
01/10/2006
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Type:
Chapters
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Book & Publisher:
"New social entrepreneurship: What awaits social entrepreneurship ventures?", editor Francesco Perrini, Edgar Elgar, October 2006, pages 210-223
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Language:
English
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