Empowering HR in Social Enterprises: A Journey from Grassroots to Visionary Leadership

In February 2012, I worked as an HR advisor for financial cooperatives. I got deeply involved in the workings of over twenty cooperatives, mentoring their HR staff from the ground up. I noticed a significant difference in HR skills between the corporate world and the credit and savings cooperatives. Many small cooperatives, which had modest beginnings, started with minimal staff and were often made up of volunteers. As a result, the general manager usually ended up handling HR management responsibilities, which led to a misunderstanding of the role of human resources in organizational development.

As these cooperatives grew and sought to formalize HR functions, existing employees were often given HR responsibilities instead of hiring trained professionals. Cooperatives' distinctive culture and ethos posed a challenge for those taking on HR roles. The need for customized HR management practices that align with the cooperative's values became increasingly apparent.

During my master’s degree in Entrepreneurship, focusing on Social Enterprise Development at Ateneo Graduate School of Business, I gained a deeper understanding of cooperatives. Under the guidance of Professor Eduardo Morato, Jr., I learned about the cooperative sector as part of the broader landscape of Social Enterprises in the Philippines. I found that my classmates shared the same intentions and values, all driven by a mission to improve the lives of the communities where their social enterprises operate.

With this understanding, I am developing a book to empower HR practitioners in social enterprises. This book aims to bridge the gap between basic HR requirements and the complex task of shaping and nurturing the culture of a reputable social enterprise. It is a guide for those entering the realm of human capital management within these unique organizations.

To all my dear readers, this book will help you navigate the challenges of HR management in the social enterprise landscape and support your mission of uplifting the lives of your people through practical and values-driven leadership. Join me on this journey towards its development, and please share your thoughts and insights as I post some content on my blog.