Career in Indian Social Sector: Equip yourself with the right skills through PGP-DM Read more about Career in Indian Social Sector: Equip yourself with the right skills through PGP-DMBlogs23 February, 2024ISDMFAQ’s Why should I consider a career in the Indian Social Sector? A career in the Indian social sector presents a unique opportunity to achieve both professional fulfilment and a meaningful impact. Fueled by rising philanthropy and CSR regulations, the industry offers options for meaningful work connected with personal beliefs, with different roles spanning areas like health, education, and advocacy. Individuals can acquire a broad range of skills through programs such as ISDM's PGP-DM, which integrates management theories with development concepts and provides practical advice from top industry executives. Professionals in this field may immediately address urgent societal concerns, which promotes effective leadership and teamwork for change. What are the current challenges and opportunities in the Indian Social Sector? There are many opportunities for major transformation, but the Indian social sector also faces several problems. Increasing capacity building and scaling up programs to effectively reach marginalised groups are hampered by limited funds and resources. Long-term sustainability is still an urgent challenge, made worse by the lack of supportive governmental frameworks and restricted access to trustworthy data and technological infrastructure. But amid these difficulties, there are chances for creativity and cooperation. Together with technological improvements, the growing trend of charitable donations offers opportunities to promote inclusive growth and constructive change. What types of jobs are available in the Indian Social Sector? The Indian social sector offers several opportunities for professionals in research, policy analysis, communications, program administration, community development, fundraising, and other related fields. Through a range of strategies, such as grant writing, project management, stakeholder involvement, and other grassroots initiatives, practitioners support constructive social change. What are the salary ranges for different social sector jobs in India? In India, the pay scales for positions in the social sector are highly variable and rely on various aspects, including the organisation's size, location, financing sources, and the individual's experience and ability. Salaries for entry-level jobs, such as project assistants or field coordinators, might range from 2.5 to 5 lakhs annually. Program managers and communications specialists are examples of mid-level jobs that normally pay between ₹5 and ₹10 lakhs annually. Directors and department heads are examples of senior-level professionals who can pay up to ₹10 lakhs annually; those in larger companies or with more experience may receive even higher salaries. How to build a career in the Indian Social Sector? To forge a career in the Indian Social Sector, consider scholastic pursuits in disciplines like development studies or social work. Participate in volunteer activities and internships to obtain practical experience. Attend events, make connections with industry people and organisations, and look for mentorship. Continue learning and become an expert in your passions. Demonstrate your influence with observable results and remain dedicated to promoting social change. Success in this fulfilling industry requires tenacity, fortitude, and unflinching dedication. Is the PGP-DM program right for me? The PGP-DM program's suitability for you relies on your career goals in the social sector. The program fits your goals if you are looking for a thorough education that combines management with development ideas, if you want to lead social organisations or push for policy changes, and if you are dedicated to creating a meaningful impact through networking and hands-on learning. The PGP-DM program might be the best choice for you if you are enthusiastic about investing in your professional growth and bringing about positive change. What makes the PGP-DM program unique from other social development programs? The PGP-DM program stands out for its distinctive pedagogy, providing an 11 months curriculum that combines development theories and management principles. Two weeks of on-field training are part of its novel method, which offers practical experience in real-world situations. The PGP-DM program is a top option for prospective social development professionals because it provides graduates with the tools they need to create significant change in the social sector through mentorship, practical projects, and connections with leaders in the field. Published: 23 February, 2024Introduction:The urge to find meaning and purpose in one's work has led to a significant shift in societal priorities in recent times, with an increasing number of individuals attempting to match their employment with social issues. The social development sector has grown significantly because of this increase in interest, as illustrated by the budget's substantial increase, which for 2023–24 in India alone reached an astounding Rs 8.28 lakh crore ($100.77 billion). The absence of efficient management in the development sector, however, remains a significant obstacle in the face of this growth.To confront this challenge head-on, the social sector requires a paradigm shift towards development management—an approach geared towards enhancing societal growth and fostering economic and social freedom. Unlike traditional corporate management, development management transcends individual projects, focusing instead on implementing process-based systems to drive innovation and eliminate stagnation in public service delivery. To address this demand, a group of seasoned professionals from various backgrounds joined forces to found the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM), India's first institution devoted exclusively to the study of development management. Understanding how important it is to professionalise management and leadership in Social Purpose Organisations (SPOs), ISDM launched the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) in Development Management to give prospective changemakers the tools they need to successfully negotiate the intricacies of the social sector.What is the Indian Social Sector?The social sector in India is evidence of the country's tenacity and development in the seven decades since independence. India has progressed significantly from its disadvantaged initial stages, which were characterized by extreme poverty, a shockingly high proportion of illiteracy, and poor infrastructure. Today, the country is transformed, with an increase in life expectancy, and literacy rate with a continuing decline in poverty as per various UN reports. The active participation of India's social sector has been essential to this journey. It has championed progressive reforms such as the Right to Information and Right to Education, and has contributed to the formulation of a forward-thinking Constitution encapsulated beautifully in its preamble.However, the path to social development in India presents unique challenges that defy conventional business management approaches that go beyond mere economic considerations. It includes understanding and negotiating the complicated network of community and cultural norms, societal dynamics, and difficult issues relating to livelihoods, health, education, and other facets of life. When it comes to social well-being, conventional measures like Return on Investments (ROI) have a distinct meaning. A rising number of practitioners and stakeholders are in favour of Development Management being recognised as a separate discipline in acknowledging the necessity for a specialised approach to governance in the social sector. The Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) has risen to bridge this crucial void, offering a fieldwork experience for prospective transformators to obtain the essential abilities, and understanding to manoeuvre through the intricacies of the social domain.Why should I look forward to Development Management Skills?The field of Development Management offers a unique array of opportunities for you within the social sector, dispelling the misconception that it lacks job prospects. With a surge in funding driven by increased philanthropy and CSR mandates, there is a growing demand for specialised talent. Beyond mere remuneration, the Social Sector offers profound job satisfaction and a sense of purpose, particularly in an era where meaningful work and work-life balance are paramount. Though there exists the program of Masters in Social Work it differs significantly from PGP DM.The Development Management program ensures you are equipped with the skills and networks necessary to secure jobs aligned with your values, empowering you to make a tangible impact on society. The program uniquely integrates management concepts such as design thinking and financial perspectives with social sector requisites like ethics and sustainability, producing authentic development of professionals with both managerial prowess and a deep commitment to social causes.Learning from sector pioneers is invaluable in mastering management within the social sector. The program offers a dynamic educational journey where you get the opportunity to hone your analytic and collaboration abilities through a variety of projects, workshops, and rural immersions. This multi pronged strategy guarantees that graduates are prepared to take on the challenges of the social sector.The program is inclusive, welcoming both seasoned professionals and freshers. While recommending two years of work experience, it also values volunteering experience with NGOs, making it accessible to a broader audience. Open to professionals from diverse backgrounds, the program accommodates a spectrum of skills, shedding light on leveraging existing knowledge for effective contributions to the Social Sector.PGP-DM What is it?The Post Graduate Programme in Development Management (PGP DM) at ISDM is an ideal foundation for an exciting and revolutionary journey into the field of social impact and development management. Our curriculum, which has been painstakingly created by eminent academics and professionals, strives to empower you to become dedicated, influential professionals who can successfully negotiate the challenges of the social sector. Let us explore in more detail the unmatched advantages that await you on this enlightening educational journey.What Benefits Do I Get?ISDM's PGP-DM program provides a wealth of unmatched advantages, transforming students into skilled leaders equipped to address the intricate problems facing the social sector:Strengthening the Foundation of the Social Sector: Our program goes above and beyond personal development, building professionals who can lead long-term change and strengthening the core of the social sector.Developing On-the-Ground Understanding: We make sure that you have a deep understanding of social sector organisation management through immersive learning approaches, equipping you for issues you will face in the real world.Encouraging Mentorship: Our unique Mentorship Program will pair you with business executives, offering priceless advice and mentorship to help you successfully navigate their career path.Holistic Learning: At ISDM, we take a holistic approach to education, making sure that you get practical insights from interactions with thought leaders and hands-on experiences in addition to theoretical concepts.Context-Based Collaborative Learning: We give context-based learning a lot of weight since it enables you as a student to develop durable solutions that are specially tailored to the unique issues the social sector faces.You May Also ReadWhich is the best course for a management career in the social sector?Top Career Opportunities in the Social Sector6 Essential Soft Skills for Success in India's Social Sector: A Must-Read Checklist!
Data-Driven Social Transformation: Vision & Initiatives of CDSSI Read more about Data-Driven Social Transformation: Vision & Initiatives of CDSSIBlogs27 January, 2024Career In the Social ManagementISDM Published: 06 February, 2024CXOToday recently conducted an exclusive interview with Ravi Sreedharan, Founder and President of the Indian School of Development Management. The interview focused on the Centre for Data Science and Social Impact (CDSSI), shedding light on the centre’s vision and initiatives. CDSSI aims to revolutionize the social sector's approach to data by empowering Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs) to leverage the power of data science for greater and sustained impact.The primary objective of CDSSI is to catalyze a transformative shift in how SPOs approach data, advocating for and raising awareness about the potential of data science. Through various initiatives, CDSSI plans to equip SPOs with the tools, infrastructure, and technology needed for effective data-driven decision-making. This includes the development of diagnostic tools, operating frameworks, and training modules to navigate the evolving landscape of data science.Unlike focusing on developing analytical models, CDSSI aims to showcase possibilities through examples and use cases, emphasizing timely and relevant data utilization. The organization is also establishing a Knowledge Institute to curate large-scale data across Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing SPOs with accessible, high-quality information and data management tools.Ravi highlighted the transformative opportunities presented by AI and ML in addressing pressing social issues in India, such as public health, skilling, agriculture, and gender equality. By advocating for the creation and dissemination of solutions, CDSSI aims to catalyze data science for social impact.Ensuring active engagement and tangible benefits for the social purpose ecosystem is a core commitment for CDSSI. The organization plans to achieve this through research, convenings, collaboration, conversations, and workshops. CDSSI also emphasizes building communities of practice within the social purpose ecosystem, advancing the data maturity of organizations.Recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of data science, CDSSI collaborates with experts from various fields to address complex social issues. The organization advocates for an interdisciplinary approach that bridges data scientists, social scientists, and other relevant experts. This collaborative ethos extends to CDSSI's internal strategy, engaging experts across social purpose leaders, academics, data scientists, and social scientists.Looking ahead, CDSSI aims to expand its influence globally by evangelizing cutting-edge technologies, researching emerging trends, and sharing insights. The organization aspires to become a pivotal hub for developing impactful data science and analytics models for social change. With a dedication to continuous knowledge creation and dissemination, CDSSI seeks to lead conversations, shape practices, and drive the adoption of data and data science in the Indian development sector, contributing significantly to a data-driven ecosystem.Read the full interview hereYou May Also ReadEmpowering Careers in the Development Sector: A Deep Dive into ISDM's PGP-DM Program
Empowering Careers in the Development Sector: A Deep Dive into ISDM's PGP-DM Program Read more about Empowering Careers in the Development Sector: A Deep Dive into ISDM's PGP-DM ProgramBlogs19 January, 2024Social EntrpreneurshipISDM Published: 19 January, 2024Over the past decade, more and more people have been drawn to the social development sector, driven by a desire to find purpose and meaning in their lives and work. This surge in interest has led to a substantial increase in the sector's budget, reaching Rs 8.28 lakh crore ($100.77 billion) for the year 2023-24 in India. However, a significant challenge arises from the lack of effective management in the development sector.Mr. Ravi Sreedharan, the Co-Founder of ISDM has stressed this issue in his TED Talk: Tedx Talk by ISDM Founder Ravi Sreedharan - Management for DevelopmentTo address this issue, the social sector requires development management to enhance societal growth and achieve economic and social freedom. Unlike corporate management, development management is not about individual projects; instead, it focuses on a process-based system to eliminate stagnation in public service.Hence, to tackle the acute lack of management skills and knowledge in the development sector, a group of experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds founded India’s first institute dedicated to development management, ISDM (Indian School of Development Management). It was built on the importance of making the leadership and management of social purpose organisations (SPOs) more professional by introducing PGP in development management.Introducing Post Graduate Program in Development Management (PGP-DM)In the ever-evolving landscape of professional development, the significance of hands-on learning and real-world application cannot be overstated. Aspiring to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world challenges, the Post Graduate Program in Development Management (PGP-DM) introduced by ISDM is becoming the launchpad for individuals seeking not just knowledge, but the practical skills and insights needed to thrive in the complex realms of the real world.Study at ISDM The program is crafted to immerse students in the intricacies of development management through hands-on projects, simulations, and exposure to actual industry scenarios.As we delve into the transformative journey of PGP-DM, it becomes clear that the magic lies in the synergy between theory and practice.This article explores how the hands-on learning and real-world application in PGP-DM not only equip individuals with the necessary tools but also instill a mindset that is ready to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the real world.Watch this video to understand what makes ISDM one-of-its-kind: What makes ISDM, ISDMNurturing Young Professionals: ISDM’s ApproachThe Post Graduate Programme in Development Management (PGP-DM) at ISDM is an 11-month program with 75+ global faculty, 300+ placement partners, 100% placement assistance, and the highest salary being 16 LPA.The PGP-DM program is carefully crafted by experts and has a blended synergy of development and management theories. The course offers high-tech in-class sessions with collaborative group work and a field experience.This course aims to produce tomorrow’s skilled and dedicated management professionals who are adequate to manage complex circumstances, diverse locations, and cultures, specifically for Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs). It imparts exceptional knowledge and methods enabling its students to plan interventions, construct, lead, and manage organisations for lasting social impact.Skills needed for success in the Development Sector: PGP-DM Curriculum and PedagogyISDM with its Post Graduate Program in Development Management, fosters young professionals through its rigorous coursework divided into 8 terms that include:Corporate Social Responsibility & SustainabilityEconomic Reasoning & Public PolicyIntervention Design for Social ImpactFund RaisingMonitoring and EvaluationTechnology for Social Impact at ScaleNetwork and PartnershipsConcepts of Social WorkThe above-given eight courses offered over the year fall into the following clusters:1. Curated Development Management Courses (Term 1 to Term 2)- Courses on business and development management.- Teaches critical thinking by exploring the boundaries of the market.- Covers various topics like Perspectives on Society and Development, State, Market & Society, Systems Thinking,Financial Perspectives, Operations Management for Quality and Impact, Behaviour Change Communication, Marketing Management, Human Development in an Unequal World, Technology and Management, and Corporate Social Responsibility.- ‘New age’ electives like Behavioural Sciences in Social Change, Introduction to Digital Marketing and Social Entrepreneurship are also offered for a more in-depth study.2. Personal Mastery for Development Leadership (Term 1 to Term 7)- Provides sessions and workshops like Personal Mastery for Development Leadership, Radical Transformational Leadership, and Group Dynamics.- Focus on nurturing curiosity, courage, and compassion in students as they collaborate in teams, engage with communities, and design interventions.- Throughout the year, distinguished speakers and leaders from diverse backgrounds are invited to encourage student discussions, debates, reflection, and learning.- Workshops on Networks, Partnerships, and Alliances for Scale, Perspective on Organisations, Knowledge Management Systems, and Fundraising.- In terms 5-7, students must complete self-paced Harvard ManageMentor Courses covering essential management topics such as Team Creation, Team Management, Budgeting, Project Management, Business Plan Development, and Negotiating. These courses offer a chance to enhance management skills.3. Writing in the Discipline (Term 3)- Students are provided individual mentorship and feedback on how to write, speak and present their ideas.- Teaches choosing appropriate words, and tone that recognizes the complex nature of social change and the emergent nature of this work.4. Context-Based Collaborative Learning (CBCL) (Term 1 to Term 7)The context-based collaborative learning (CBCL) is an integral part of ISDM’s pedagogy. It is a method used to make the teaching and learning process more impactful.- Lectures, case studies, workshops, group work, readings, and individual assignments are carefully integrated to enhance students' knowledge and application skills for the social sector.- The course offers opportunities for practical application through specially designed group work, allowing students to apply what they've learned in real-world scenarios.- Central to the CBCL process is collaborative inquiry and co-creation, supported by learning mentors known as Bricoleurs, working with students on a one-to-one basis and groups to discuss individual learning journeys and key development lenses to differentiate management for the social sector such as collaboration, equity and social justice.5. Realising India Immersive Experience (Term 4 to Term 8)- Realising India Immersive Experience is a two-week project that emphasizes scale and sustainability.- It provides a practical experience by working on live projects with Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs).- Integrates previous term learnings into a real, viable, and scaling strategy for the SPO.- Concentrates on the 'what' and 'how' of managing SPOs.- Aims to deepen students' understanding of people's lives at the district level.- Prepares students to design effective interventions by immersing them in real-world experiences.In addition to the eight core courses, the program provides elective options to nurture your leadership skills for the future. PGP-DM students learn to address community issues with empathy and understanding, considering systemic and cultural aspects, all while keeping a focus on impact, scalability, and sustainability.The course also prepares future policymakers with skills such as teamwork, effective communication, empathetic engagement, critical thinking, data-driven decision-making, networking, stress management, and willingness to learn, unlearn, and relearn. These skills are taught by the unique method of ‘knowing’, ‘doing’, and ‘being’.- 'Knowing' skills are about understanding the limits of the market and developing critical thinking skills.- 'Doing' skills refer to thinking creatively and innovatively to frame and solve problems.- 'Being' skills are about paying greater attention to personal development and grounding organizational decision-making in ethics and values of equity and fairness.AssessmentThe assessment process is a key part of the student's learning journey. It involves evaluating the student's progress through a mix of the following components to make you ready to kickstart your career in the development sector:Classroom AttendanceGraded Individual and Group Assignments (Faculty and Bricoleurs)Tests/QuizzesPeer Assessment in Collaborative GroupsThese assessments help build the students’ caliber and prepare them for real-world problems. With all these factors and a strong alumni network, the PGP-DM course can ensure the personal and professional growth of the student resulting in better career opportunities.What job opportunities are available in the development sector for young development professionals?Explore the myriad possibilities that await you as you embark on a journey toward a rewarding career in the social sector through our comprehensive PGP-DM program. Following are the career options in the development sector:Programme Operations and Management: Develop program design aligning with the organisation's strategy.Communications and Engagement: Shape the organisational brand and manage the communications strategy.Fund Raising (Retail and Corporate): Formulate fundraising strategies and engage donors for organisational and programmatic funds.Strategy & Data-based Decision Making: Contribute to the overall strategy and analyze data for informed decision-making.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Define CSR strategy, implement interventions, and ensure governance compliance.Government Relations and Advocacy: Submit proposals, build relationships with government wings, and advocate for specific areas.Strategic Partnerships and Alliances: Identify, onboard, and manage partners based on collaboration needs.Monitoring & Evaluation: Develop M&E Framework, collaborate with technical partners, and analyze impact data.EA to CEO: Assist the CEO in implementing organizational initiatives and data-driven decision-making.Co-Founders: Collaborate with development sector entrepreneurs and organizations' founders.ISDM Alumni Success Stories: Diverse Roles and Impactful Positions in the Social SectorThe Post Graduate Program in Development Management equips students with a plethora of career options, offering diverse roles and responsibilities within the social sector. With a commitment to fostering impactful careers, ISDM collaborates with over 300 placement opportunities, ensuring our PGP-DM students have access to a wide array of professional pathways. It offered 100% placements in its previous batches as the placement process at ISDM is student-centric, and not organization-centric.No matter what your educational or professional background is, this program is designed to provide you with an enriching experience, empowering you to make meaningful contributions to the field of devlopment management.One such example is ISDM alumna Ayushi Jauhari. Ayushi was an engineer at a multinational company before joining ISDM. Volunteering at the CSR of her former employee made her want to pursue the path of social development management as a career.Here is what Ayushi has to say about her journey from engineering to social development management: From an Engineer to Changemaker: Ayushi's Transformative Journey in the Development SectorSo was the case with Simran Bhola, an ISDM alumna, who was working at EY as the Assurance Associate. Finding her zeal for the social sector, Simran joined ISDM for a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the sector and its problems. Here’s what Simran has to say about her experience with ISDM and her career journey: My journey at ISDM | The social sector's next place to be Here is a list of ISDM alumni working in different positions in the social sector as per their interests and choices:1. CSR Fund/Foundation:- Rama Krishna Teja, PGP-DM 2019, CSR Lead at Tata Consultancy Services, B.Tech from K.L University.- Viswanathan V, PGP-DM 2017, Assistant Manager CSR at Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., BE in Electronics and Communication from Jeppiaar Institute of Technology.2. Social Welfare Organizations: - Nilanjan Panda, PGP-DM 2019, PRADAN - Professional Assistance for Development Action, BSW from Visva-Bharti and MA in Development from Azim Premji University.- Akshay Jha, PGP-DM 2020, Program Manager Aftercare at M.A.D (Make a Difference), B.Pharm. & M.Pharm.-Pharmacy from Guru Nanak College of Pharmacy.3. Policy Consulting Firms: - B Shrija, PGP-DM 2018, Project Manager at Egov Foundation, B Sc Agriculture from Banaras Hindu University.- Ashish Manjunath, PGP-DM 2020, Innovation Officer at Water Aid India, BE-Arts from M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology.4. For-Profit Social Organizations: - Swati, PGP-DM 2017, Project Manager at Janaagraha, B.Sc from St. Joseph's College & MA in Rural Development from IGNOU.- Sanket Sunil Aher, PGP-DM 2019, Swades Foundation, BS in Physics from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai.5. Not for Profit/NGOs: - Arpit Jain, PGP-DM 2017, Consultant at Dalberg, B.tech from NIT Karnataka, PG Diploma in Liberal Studies from Ashoka University.- Abhishek Tyagi, PGP-DM 2019, Senior Associate at CSR Box, Political Science Hons from Delhi University.6. Impact Investing Firm: - Grishma Kajbaje, PGP-DM 2021, Samhita, B.COM from R A Podar College of Commerce and Economics.- Priyanka Nalawade, PGP-DM 2018, Programme Associate MNE at Under The Mango Tree, B Tech in Computer Science and Technology.7. Social Impact Consultancy: - Supreeth V Kashyap, PGP-DM 2019, Wellbi, B.E in Computer Science & Engineering from The National Institute of Engineering, Mysore.8. Social Enterprise:- Tanushree Jain, PGP-DM 2018, Naushaura, Founder, Engineering, Mody University.9. Education/Think Tanks/Research: - Abinaya Rangarajan, PGP-DM 2018, Officer - Skill Education at Lend - A Hand India, B tech Industrial Biotechnology from Sastra University Thanjavur.10. Bilateral Agencies: - Radhika Nair, PGP-DM 2017, Consultant at Women's Fund Asia, BA in Communication from Amrita School of Communication.Wrapping UpThe PGP-DM program is all about learning through hands-on experience. Perfect for those in or aspiring to join the social sector. The program's unique design acknowledges that regular management principles don't cut it for the complexities of the social sector. It seamlessly combines development and management, blending theory with real-world practice. Our community of teachers, mentors, and alumni is here to guide you at every step toward your dream opportunity.If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, seize the moment and submit your application now!You May Also ReadNeed for building a collaborative ecosystem in the development sectorHow is the PGP-DM different from MSW Skill Vs Will: prerequisite for development sector
Benchmarking of Employee Benefits in the Indian Social SectorRead more about Benchmarking of Employee Benefits in the Indian Social SectorThis report documents the key findings from the study on benefits benchmarking in the Indian social sector. It draws from a sample of 59 organisations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the employee benefits being provided by Indian social purpose organisations. Importantly, it also compares social sector benefits with those being provided by general industry.
Development Management: New possibilities of Growth Read more about Development Management: New possibilities of GrowthBlogs11 January, 2023ISDM writesISDMISDM Published:17 March, 2023Development space is desperately looking out for people who understand the sector and are able to contribute in constituting world class, impactful, sustainable social organisations using mantras of leadership and management relevant to the development sector.While the Indian civilization dates back to at least 6500 BC, India as an Independent nation is only 72 years old. As we complete 72 years of independence, it is a good time to step back and see how far we have come.In 1947, India had a literacy of 12%; Life expectancy at birth of 32 years; 99% poverty; wide-spread epidemics like plague, malaria, tuberculosis, no infrastructure; no electricity; very few schools and colleges, limited access to villages. The world thought that this was a basket case and India would soon call the Brits back to save them.But, we did amazingly well and in 72 years our literacy rate is today at 74%; Life Expectancy is at 68 years; Poverty Rates are down to 21%; Our infra-structure, Schools, Hospitals, Health Centers, Roads, etc. have all come a long way.The social sector or the development sector in India has played a major role in this progress. Despite being a large and complex country, thanks to an active development sector, we have become a vibrant democracy, we are among few countries that have progressive reforms like the Right to Information and Right to Education, we have a Progressive Constitution and a clearly defined ‘idea of India’ captured beautifully in the Preamble of the Constitution.After several years of working deep and wide in the development sector, I have realized that there is a problem in applying conventional Business Management ideas in the Social Sector.Here are some ideas that will not make sense intuitively to a Business Management mind:* There is no such thing as ‘poor people’ - there is ‘poverty’* Affirmative action is not only about economic equality* Livelihoods is not just about creating jobs but also addressing complex societal issues ranging from cultural norms and values to security and health issues, education, dignity, inter-generational equations, and more* Addressing issues of education is not just about teachers and schools but also about issues related to community - culture, values, gender, health, nutrition, sanitation, rights, ecology, language, agriculture cycles, livelihood, hunger, poverty, etc.* Even solving the problem of open defecation is not only about building functional toilets but also about changing complex behaviors, beliefs and attitudes.The same subjects will be different or nuanced when it comes to Business Management and Development Management: Whether it is ‘Talent Management’ and understanding reasons for joining/ staying/ leaving or the kind of cultures that will motivate and inspire; Or ‘Finance’ and looking at questions like Return on Investments; understanding the monetary value of some social good like say gender equality; Or, ‘Communication and Engagement’, ‘Systems Thinking’, ‘Organization Behavior and Dynamics’ - they are all quite different.Development space is desperately looking out for people who understand the sector and are able to contribute in constituting world class, impactful, sustainable social organisations using mantras of leadership and management relevant to the development sector. One should be able to approach a sensitive cause with a very practical, professional, goal oriented approach while still be agile and quick to adjust and stay motivated throughout. Strike a balance between empathy towards highly sensitive issues and pragmatic line of action.Even the Corporate world has now realised that it is not just the increase in CSR spend which is going to assure their commitment to support initiatives aimed at impacting lives. Corporate sector has gradually started encouraging the hiring of professional leaders and managers for the development sector to create an impactful CSR team which can help them in achieving each milestone of their CSR programme in the most effective manner.After discussions with numerous leading practitioners in the sector across the country and even around the world, there was universal agreement that it makes absolute sense and there is indeed a crying need for developing the domain of Development Management, as a distinct discipline.This new discipline would require as its base high quality, world class institutions that can make a difference to the sector and society. These institutions will provide the much needed vibrant & active learning environment to the brightest minds passionate about social change. The institutions will also be at the forefront of research for deeper understanding of the complex multitude of factors that affect development issues. It is very important to realise here that great Development Management institutions will be created by Collective Wisdom and Collective Philanthropy.(Author Sreedharan is founder and director, Indian School of Development Management (ISDM). Views expressed here are personal.)You May Also ReadHow Development Management fuels social enterprises and social entrepreneurship?8 Eye Opening Reasons Why Development Management Trumps an MBAEmpowering Careers in the Development Sector: A Deep Dive into ISDM's PGP-DM Program
Annual Report (2022-23) Read more about Annual Report (2022-23) Annual ReportRead ISDM's annual report for 2022-23. The strategic, organic and relentless way in which the organisation is growing to achieve its mission and impact the larger sector. Reach out to us at contact@isdm.org.in. should you have queries or seek collaboration with the ISDM team.ANNUAL REPORT 2022-20235 January, 2024Development MangamentNON ISDM