Apr 26, 20232 min read

Kaufman's Mega Planning and Prahalad's BOP: A Tale of Coincidence, Affinity, and Social Impact

By: Mariano Bernardez

The work and concepts of Roger Kaufman and C.K. Prahalad, two prominent thinkers in business and social innovation, have shown striking similarities and shared values even though they had never met. In recognition of their immense contributions, the Kaufman Center holds Awards named in their honor, celebrating significant social impact and social innovation, respectively.

Roger Kaufman's Mega Planning

Kaufman, an American management consultant and educational researcher, developed the concept of Mega Planning. This strategic framework aims to align organizational goals and objectives with societal needs and values, striving for an optimal balance between profitability and sustainability. Mega Planning promotes long-term thinking, considering the impact of decisions on multiple stakeholders and generations to come.

C.K. Prahalad's Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP)

C.K. Prahalad, an Indian management consultant, and author, introduced the Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) concept. BOP asserts that businesses can find opportunities for growth and innovation by targeting low-income markets, which are often overlooked in traditional business models. By serving these markets, companies can empower impoverished people and create lasting social impact through profit-driven solutions.

Coincidences and Affinities

Both Kaufman and Prahalad believed in the power of business as a force for good, promoting integrating social values into the core of organizational strategies. While Kaufman's Mega Planning encourages the alignment of organizational goals with societal needs, Prahalad's BOP approach emphasizes the potential of low-income markets for inclusive growth and innovation.

This shared vision highlights the potential of the private sector to address pressing social issues and alleviate poverty while maintaining financial sustainability. By intertwining social impact with business objectives, these thinkers have paved the way for a new breed of companies prioritizing purpose and profit.

The Kaufman Center Awards

To honor the lasting contributions of Roger Kaufman and C.K. Prahalad, the Kaufman Center established two prestigious awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that embody their principles.

The Roger Kaufman Award for Outstanding Social Impact celebrates those who have significantly contributed to society by incorporating Mega Planning principles, aligning organizational goals with societal needs, and creating lasting, positive change.
The C.K. Prahalad Award for Outstanding Social Innovation: This award recognizes businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations that have successfully targeted the Bottom of the Pyramid, developing innovative solutions that empower low-income communities and promote inclusive growth.

Conclusion

Though they never met, the work of Roger Kaufman and C.K. Prahalad shares a common thread: the pursuit of social impact through business and innovation. The Kaufman Center Awards testify to their enduring legacies, inspiring future generations to harness the power of business for positive change.