Both Toms and Sole Rebels are socially entrepreneurial organization. Toms is a company that runs on a one-for-one business model; it donates a pair of shoes to people in need across 5 continents. On the other hand there is Sole Rebels, which provides opportunity for people in Ethiopia, to work and make a living by crafting shoes out of natural resources. While these are both initiatives are working for exceptional causes that should be supported, the focus strategy of Sole Rebels should ultimately result in a positive change in an entire community in Ethiopia, and potentially its economy, all while producing with natural “vegan” materials. However, a one-for-one business model is not ineffective. This does not go to say – in any shape or form – that what Toms is doing is not worthy of recognition.

I agree with and support the ‘one-for-one’ business model because if executed properly, impacts multiple communities in a positive way. Toms not only benefits the economy in which its company is based (like any other successful business), it also benefits and improves the conditions of the everyday lives of individuals in need around the world. The most important part of a one-for-one business model is of course the ethics behind the idea. It is imperative to question WHY a company is decided to involve itself in this way, and what a company’s intentions are; otherwise, a company can simply begin an initiative that seems socially responsible at first, but in reality it could be the company looking to further its own brand reputation and increase its profits by adding to its value proposition. However, despite the fact that the intent behind a one-for-one business model can be for the wrong reasons, it still fulfils the initiative of giving back to make the world a better place.

References: TOMS, Sole Rebels