Last week, Delhi NCR-based Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) hosted the Dialogues on Development Management, bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, and practitioners, from civil society (samaj), government (sarkar), and business (bazar).

Gaurav Shah and Pramath Raj Sinha, founders of the ISDM, told FE that like business management and public administration have changed private and public sectors, we need ‘development management’ for the social sector, and that it should be seen by young India as a career, just like MBA.

What is it?

Development management is a distinctive approach tailored specifically for social purpose organisations – nonprofits that use traditional business activities to achieve their social missions. It recognises the unique needs of the social sector and sets it apart from traditional management practices.

Is it a career?

Shah and Sinha said that India needs thousands of people who can solve complex societal problems, and that implies there is a career waiting to be explored. But they added that this career is usually for people who want a sense of personal fulfilment, want to solve societal problems, or feel a moral responsibility due to their advantageous circumstances.

What about salaries?

Salaries are becoming better. A fresh graduate from the ISDM is today commanding anywhere from Rs 7-8 lakh per annum, to upwards of Rs 15 lakh. Shah said that some NGOs, nonprofits, national and international agencies, and social enterprises – in the fields of healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, etc – are very good paymasters.

Why not an MBA?

While an MBA from a good B-school will likely earn a better salary, there are many reasons why a career in development management may be better than being a regular MBA.

– Expansive opportunities in the social sector, as people can find jobs in fundraising, digital marketing, management, advocacy, research, and content creation;

– Job satisfaction in an era where meaningful work, work-life balance, and fair compensation are becoming paramount;

– Development management is open to professionals from diverse backgrounds – doctors, lawyers, engineers, artists, accountants;

– There is rising demand for social sector professionals – unlike the fluctuating demand for MBAs (subject to market conditions). For instance, the Covid-19 pandemic pushed millions of Indians into poverty, and the social sector requires committed professionals armed with management skills, knowledge, and tools to tackle these complex issues.

Where to study?

While the ISDM runs the 11-month Post Graduate Programme in Development Management (PGP-DM), it’s now being taught by some universities and B-schools also – the SP Jain Institute of Management and Research runs the 12-month PGPDM, and the IIHMR University has the two-year MBA (Development Management).