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In line with the earlier crude distinction made between two groups of respondents,
the same distinction seems to apply for this category. One group is in favour of
making the financial aspect a separate dimension and to give this dimension a
serving role towards the remaining dominant perspectives. Although the financial
aspect should not be the main target of the business, the investor is still a
stakeholder to keep satisfied. The other group, on the contrary, considers the social
aspects to be a separate dimension. Separate from the relationship the entrepreneur,
his business and the demand of the product have in order to generate sufficient
financial return.
Both groups confirm the relation between those remaining aspects, the entrepreneur,
the business and the demand of the product. The difference is that one group argues
that the focus should be on those aspects to make sure that the entrepreneur will
have sufficient financial return. The other group argues that the focus should be on
the contribution towards the society including the related stakeholders; customers,
‘employees’, the society and the investors to make sure everybody is satisfied and
when that is ensured that the financial return will follow automatically.
5.2.12. Most Important
In line with the previous paragraph there are different views on what is the most
important. All the previous discussed categories are mentioned by different
respondents as important; financial, social, demand, personal, satisfaction, reason to
start and network (see appendix P).
5.2.13. Measurement and Indicators
In a similar vein as the previously held discussion at the financial aspect,
respondents suggested not to explicitly focus on, and only measure the financial
return but instead ensure that all-important stakeholders are satisfied.
Elmar Hoogendoorn 67
Sustainable Microfinance