The Praxis of Grassroots Diplomacy for Social Entrepreneurship
Open Access
- Author:
- Hinton, Andrew P
- Area of Honors:
- Elective Area of Honors - Engineering Design
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Khanjan Mehta, Thesis Supervisor
Dr. Sven G Bilén, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Engineering design
Grassroots diplomacy
Context-driven
Social entrepreneurship
Humanitarian engineering
Development - Abstract:
- Social entrepreneurs and humanitarian engineers often collaborate with stakeholders from marginalized communities in the developing world to design and commercialize innovative, sustainable and scalable technology solutions to global challenges. While doing so, they experience various issues associated with community tensions, multifaceted personal and professional motivations, and radically different cultural perceptions. Due to the contextual challenges, social entrepreneurs cannot manage all project functions effectively, which limits the sustainability and scalability of the entrepreneurial design processes. Social entrepreneurs must utilize grassroots diplomacy to navigate these complex social dynamics while they build equitable relationships with venture partners and key stakeholders. This thesis explores the praxis of grassroots diplomacy as a methodological approach that adheres to the tenets of ethical-decision making, trust-based relationships building, and self-determination. A foundational theory of engagement demonstrates the appropriate mindset for making decisions and resolving conflicts that is essential for the design and implementation of appropriate systemic solutions. This thesis proposes six core competencies that facilitate the growth of conscientious students that function efficiently in the developing world context. Students develop these competencies through ‘The Grassroots Diplomat,’ a practicum of academic activities designed to help social entrepreneurs utilize the grassroots diplomacy literature effectively and understand their role within the entrepreneurial design system. These activities enable students to identify and overcome unique venture challenges– from dealing with corrupt officials to handling strong disagreements among teammates to negotiating equitable agreements between diverse partners. The practicum improves the innovative engineering design process by turning the subtle and tactful approach of grassroots diplomacy into an actionable toolkit that assists students in advancing the technology venture in the best interest of all stakeholders.