Reflection Paper Number 4

Based on the Video Titled Small Fortunes: Microcredit and the Future of Poverty









Diosdado Molina Resgonia Jr.
Hawaii Pacific University

Compare and Contrast the Content of the DVD with Table 10.1 Characteristics of
Entrepreneurial Organizations

Generally, the video and Table 10.1 have much similarity than differences. The video
showed microcredit movements values which are anchored in individual empowerment and
social and economic justice. Ideologies of the individuals were not considered as basis for
acceptance. Finally, the video and Table10.1 accept alternative opinions and practices in order
to develop the microcredit as well as the organizations strategies and methods of practice.
There are no differences on its mission and philosophy. Both seek to transform the
individuals which participate in the microcredit movement and are members in the
entrepreneurial organization. I cannot help but to ponder into my past experience working with
the poorest of the poor. The microcredit scheme has been the product of long term struggle of
the urban poor sector. The credit union which the organization now calls the microcredit has
survived even it experienced financial and organizational problems. The organization followed
the Grameen Bank processes and they even sent three leaders to Bangladesh to learn the
microcredit experience. Perhaps one of the problems was the organization did not alienate its
ideology in accepting members into the livelihood program.
The organizational structures are both simple and very minimal. The largest group
consisted of five members. The video showed individual as well as collective responsibilities.
Meaning, if one member has problems in paying her loan, the rest of the collective would extend
assistance to help the problematic member.
In the program and services aspect, both create opportunities for the poorest of the poor
to be able to access capital to grow and develop individually.

Table 10.2 Role and Relationships with and Within Entrepreneurial Organizations

In task relationships, both embraced diversity as they connect to different nationalities,
peoples, and cultures. The video as well as table 10.2 recognized the significant role of the
environment to liberate the marginalized peoples from poverty. However, I was just wondering
what would be the effect to the fresh water ecology when the women were washing the cement
bags in the river.
In the arena of relationships with funders, both promote on individual rights and
responsibilities. The microcredit as a movement might be a threat of the existing system.
Funding might also be a problem since the system wanted to protect the status quo.
Both the video and table 10.2 showed that in the relationships with client populations and
their referral sources, the constant thing is organizing. They believe that organizing is a never
ending process rather than an object. As shown in the video, constant organizing is needed to be
effective in the microcredit movement.
Finally, the internal organizational roles and relationships in the entrepreneurial
organizations and as shown in the video, both valued individualism. Thus, everyone is his or her
own leader to manage his or her business. Management maybe called as coordinators,
facilitators, and team leaders.

Box 10.2 Characteristics of Entrepreneurial Leaders

Both believe the self-transformation of individuals as a desired state. Leaders are truly
appreciative and work with diverse population. They have high tolerance for differing opinions.
Maintain ones sense of individualism within the organizational life. Leaders are able to
examine situations from many different directions. They have high tolerance for process and
strong curiosity and passion for change.

Table 10.3 Practice Language Differences across Four Paradigms

The video has shown the four processes of practice but it was not as clearly as the table
10.3 has presented. The home visits and data gathering are part of the assessment. Discovery
process follows. This is the period where organizers draw their problem statements and identify
possible clients. Innovating period characterized as the period of continuing organizing and
applications of accepted opinions to develop the movement. The final period is the individual
transformation or the empowerment process, this is the self-actualization period where individual
members realized their goals and continue to grow and now become the agent of change in the
families and communities.

Table 10.4 Practice Characteristics of Entrepreneurial Organizations

As shown in the video, the assessment process has been in the series of meetings with
clients as well as home visits with possible clients. This process as stressed in table 10.4 is a
continual and ongoing. The discovery, innovating, and individual transformation have been
presented in the video and I was amazed that the whole process except the assessment is different
from the three paradigms. Additionally, the microcredit movement has been successful in
different countries.

Conclusions as it Relates to the Different Organizational Paradigms of OConnor and Netting
and Communities as Discussed by Green Haines

Application of Culturally Sensitive Values and Ethics

In the pursuit of my practice in the social work profession, I may have biases and
prejudices against a population or a culture, but being aware of these biases is a good sign that I
am recognizing my limitations while attempting to overcome these. However, as a social worker
I dont have the right to choose my clientele or show sour emotions to a particular group or
population. I am bound to obey the social work values and ethics as defined in the NASW Code
of Ethics. However, if I cannot work effectively to a particular group I have the responsibility to
call the attention of my supervisor so that work and clients would not be jeopardized.

Critical Analysis to CC 3 and PB 3.1 and 3.2

As a student, being aware of the different cultures and being aware of my limitations as
far as cultural competency is concerned are good pointers to be culturally sensitive. Respect to
myself and others within my profession and related disciplines is good trait to build professional
relationships and effective communication, thereby develop critical and creative thinking as tools
of social work practice. However, it is so easy to say it but very hard to achieve in practice. As
long as I am not over the bounds of social work practice as stipulated in the NASW Code of
Ethics.
Global information and knowledge including research, evidence, strength, and
community-based models are good sources of information while I immersed myself to my
clientele system. These information and knowledge are good but the most important thing is the
client, group, agency, and communitys concrete situation that is decisive in drawing out
treatment plans or diagnosis. Global information and knowledge shall serve as guides, otherwise
I will be coined as dogmatic. Cases should be treated as dynamic.

Application of Social and Economic Justice to the Video by Comparing it to CC 5 and PB 5.1
and 5.2

Before I took social work profession, I have had few experiences in working with the
poorest of the poor populations and sectors. These colorful and sometimes nasty experiences
influenced me to take social work as a profession.
As a student in social work I must be aware that one of the core values in social work is
social and economic justice in the local, national, and global contexts. The video had shown the
significant role of women especially in less developed countries (LDCs) and they are also the
most oppressed and exploited sectors in those societies. I should also be aware of the global
interconnections of oppression of peoples and sectors such as women. One aspect of the
understanding is to deeply be aware of the differences of the situation especially the population
located in Islamic countries. The struggles for emancipation in these regions are much more
complex and needs critical thinking before waging any form of struggles. Perhaps the issues of
human and civil rights issues might be the initial issues. The issue of globalization is a good
issue to start interconnecting oppression and exploitation around the globe.
Students should also learn how to initiate or organize social actions or social movements
to address social issues. However, before launching a social action one needs to organize the
stakeholders and gather the support of other professionals, sectors, organizations, and
communities to promote the issue of issues. This process is called organizing and alliance
building with friendly forces.
Social action is one of the tools in social work to make change. This tool is a must to
learn and be appreciated in working with organizations and communities.