Charlottesville Works: Harnessing Social Networks to Promote Employment and Fight Poverty

Abstract

Ridge Schuyler believed that social networks were a unique and innovative way to fight poverty through sustainable employment opportunities. This case study describes how Ridge scaled up Charlottesville Works locally around a formalized social network model that connects unemployed individuals living under the federal poverty line to promising jobs through word-of-mouth, at little cost. The central decision point presented to students is how Ridge should scale Charlottesville Works, and the organizational changes that must be made. This case encourages students to critically examine alternative forms of social interventions and explore how informal processes can be formalized by an organization to fill information gaps in the job market and operational shortfalls in the social service sector. It also invites students to consider issues and obstacles that smaller social service providers face when confronted with both external growth and internal expansion.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Resources

Appendix A: Poverty in Charlottesville and Albemarle County

Figure

Figure

Source: “The Orange Dot Report 2.0” (Schuyler, 2015).

Appendix B: Charlottesville Works Pathway for Self-Reliance

Figure

Source: “The Orange Dot Report 2.0” (Schuyler, 2015).

Appendix C: Charlottesville Works Performance Dashboard

Figure

Source: “The Orange Dot Report 2.0” (Schuyler, 2015).

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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