The Freeplay Energy Group and Foundation (A)

Synopsis:

The Freeplay Energy Group was founded in 1995 to produce wind up radios. The company produced its first radios in 1996. It took its social responsibilities seriously from the beginning and in 1998 founded the Freeplay Foundation to enable the sustained delivery of radio information and education to the most vulnerable populations via self-powered radios. The company has transformed itself from a vertically integrated organization with internal responsibility for all business areas into a business-to-business energy company using outsourcing where appropriate and focusing on the core areas of design, development and marketing. The Freeplay Foundation funded the development of the Lifeline radio, the first radio developed specifically for the humanitarian sector which was successfully launched in April 2003. At the beginning of 2004 The Freeplay Energy Group and the Freeplay Foundation faced important decisions about their future to ensure the future growth and sustainability of both organizations.

Title: The Freeplay Energy Group and Foundation (A)

Author(s): Coles, E. and Mair, J.

Reference No: DG-1467-E

No. of pages: 22

Year of publication: 2004

Geographical location: South Africa, United Kingdom

Keywords: Social Entrepreneurship; Corporate Social Responsibility; New Technologies; Innovation; Developing Countries; Strategy

Complementary materials: B Case: DG-1501-E and Teaching Note both coming soon.

 This case study is available from IESE Business School: http://www.iesep.com/(S(vzlpnxz4x2gp4f451ojog4ns))/fichaProducto.aspx?sigla=DG-1467-E