Case Name :      Cooperation for Advancement Rehabilitation and Education (CARE): Leadership in Social Sector Organizations

Authors :           Arif Butt, Humaira Butt, Shezeen Hemani

Source :             North American Case Research Association (NACRA)

Case ID :            NA0092

Discipline :        Human Resource Management

Case Length :    22 pages

Solution sample availability : YES

Plagiarism : NO (100% Original work)

This case documents the history and development of philanthropic work in providing quality education by CARE (Cooperation for Advancement Rehabilitation and Education) under the leadership of its chairperson, Seema Aziz. Seema started CARE in 1988 as a small voluntary effort to help the flood victims of the Sheikhupura town, Lahore (Pakistan) and later directed the organization’s focus towards providing quality education to underprivileged children. After over a decade of efforts which led to the establishment of 6 CARE owned schools and adoption of 20 schools from the Government of Punjab, Seema was faced with an important decision which would shape the future of CARE. In September 2002, the government of Punjab offered CARE to adopt another 140 government schools. The offer had left Seema at a crossroads as accepting the offer would achieve CARE’s mission by accelerating the process of spreading education. However, it would invite challenges associated with managing a rapidly growing organization, providing for additional funds and other organizational resources, and establishing a professional and well motivated Human Resource base to support the expansion decision which would have to be taken within a few months. On the other hand, refusing the government’s offer would enable Seema to take CARE through a gradual process of growth ensuring control over policymaking and implementation, minimizing risks related to financial sustainability, building organizational and human resource capacities and above all preparing leadership capabilities necessary for a growing organization. For Seema it was indeed a tough decision. She felt that as she contemplated the offer to prepare CARE to take up the challenge, thousands of children lost hope for basic education and an opportunity to live like the privileged part of the society. While Seema’s heart was truly tempted to take up the government’s offer, her mind was well aware that she must choose her options wisely.