Ethos Category
Social Impact and Initiatives
Challenges
Case Analysis
Future Opportunities
100

What year did Hoa and Phil re-establish Ethos as a social enterprise?

2013

100

How does Ethos’s "Book Bank and Literacy Classes" help the local community?

By improving reading and writing skills for guides and community members.

100

What government policy threatens Ethos’s operations?

Certification requirements for trekking guides, with no certification opportunities for minority women.

100

What is a problem statement in case analysis?

A concise description of the central issue or challenge in the case.

100

What benefit could franchising bring to Ethos?

It could scale the business model and increase social impact in new regions.

200

What type of experiences does Ethos offer to tourists?

Sustainable, community-based trekking and cultural experiences.

200

Name one health-related initiative Ethos runs.

Health and hygiene seminars teaching handwashing, teeth cleaning, and disease prevention.

200

What happens if Ethos loses access to its local guides?

The business model and funding for its social initiatives would collapse.

200

Why is analysis an important step in case problem-solving?

It identifies root causes and evaluates the factors contributing to the issue.

200

How might delegating control to local guides improve Ethos?

It fosters greater community ownership and sustainability.

300

Where is Ethos headquartered?

Sa Pa, Vietnam.

300

What does the "Linens for Life" initiative achieve?

It repurposes used hotel linens into products for additional community income.

300

What risk does rapid expansion pose to Ethos?

Dilution of service quality and misalignment with its social mission.

300

Name a key alternative Hoa and Phil could consider for expanding Ethos.

????

300

What additional revenue stream could Ethos develop to support its initiatives?

Expanding sales of handmade goods or offering virtual cultural experiences.

400

What key role do minority women play in Ethos’s business model?

They serve as trekking guides, providing authentic cultural experiences.

400

How does Ethos address human trafficking in the region?

Through workshops in the Hmong language to educate girls on trafficking risks and prevention.

400

What is a major personal challenge Hoa and Phil face as Ethos’s founders?

Lack of financial stability, such as health insurance and retirement savings.

400

What is one implementation step Ethos could take to overcome the certification challenge?

???

400

What type of partnerships could Ethos explore to grow sustainably?

Collaborations with international nonprofits or socially responsible tourism networks.

500

What inspired Phil to first visit Vietnam in the 1990s?

He joined a biodiversity project through Frontier, a UK-based nonprofit organization.

500

What environmental program does Ethos use to combat plastic waste?

Refill My Bottle.

500

What forced the closure of the original Ethos charity in 2002?

The local partner organization demanded a $60,000 bribe, which Ethos refused to pay.

500

In case analysis, what should a recommendation achieve?

It should provide a clear, actionable solution that aligns with the organization's goals and resources.

500

How could narrowing the focus of Ethos’s initiatives improve operations?

It could allow for more resources and attention on high-impact programs, improving efficiency and outcomes.

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