2016 Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 57-62
This study reveals the factors of developing into new social business from corporate contribution activity (such as volunteer to society of the company). According to the academic literature, the social business has been discussed in social entrepreneur, social enterprise or social innovation in some organizations or sectors (such as nonprofit organizations), however these are unclear that relation between business and contribution of the company and characteristic factors. That is why this study focuses one company (Fuji Xerox), and observe the activity. The case study used Fuji Xerox’s home medical care support which was carried out as part of the reconstruction activities for regions. The project was started from a free loan of Fuji Xerox’s multi-function printer which is one of their volunteer activities for disaster areas while the volunteer team member contacted the director who was the local home medical care diagnosis place in Iwate prefecture. They developed the system which adopted the user-friendly operation and a new function for managing the total information of the patients and progress to new business. The study found three factors that achieved the project. First, the activity was started by the purpose of the solution to local problem. Second, the contact to a wide range of people concerned was carried out at the high frequency at the research stage for the home medical system. Third, the establishment of the professional organizations. First and second factors were able to find the solution of reproduction for the local community beyond the disaster reconstruction support. Third factor was able to apply a function of the management to volunteer activity, and achieve to continue the project and progress other new activities.
