Way2Work: Playing a bad hand (A)
Way2Work is an Irish NGO founded in 2019 by Derek (“Decky”) Byrne, along with Andrew Low and John Killeen, to facilitate access to employment for young people from backgrounds of care, poverty, and family breakdown. The case illustrates how the organization acts as a highly personalized bridge between these young people and companies in sectors with labor shortages, combining high expectations, intensive support, and practical knowledge of the field. Part A culminates in a dilemma regarding Sean, a young man with great potential but recurring outbursts of anger that have caused him to lose several job opportunities, forcing a decision on whether to continue investing scarce resources in him or prioritize other candidates. Part B expands the problem to address the sustainability of the model, the search for funding, and the potential need for institutional and regulatory action.
Collection: IESE (España)
Ref: DPO-933-E
Format: PDF
Number of pages: 8
Publication Date: May 5, 2026
Language: English, Spanish
What material is included in this case:
Description
Way2Work is an Irish NGO founded in 2019 by Derek (“Decky”) Byrne, along with Andrew Low and John Killeen, to facilitate access to employment for young people from backgrounds of care, poverty, and family breakdown. The case illustrates how the organization acts as a highly personalized bridge between these young people and companies in sectors with labor shortages, combining high expectations, intensive support, and practical knowledge of the field. Part A culminates in a dilemma regarding Sean, a young man with great potential but recurring outbursts of anger that have caused him to lose several job opportunities, forcing a decision on whether to continue investing scarce resources in him or prioritize other candidates. Part B expands the problem to address the sustainability of the model, the search for funding, and the potential need for institutional and regulatory action.
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Geographic Setting: Ireland
Industry Setting: Trust, Ecclesiastic and NGO's
Learning Objective
The case offers a platform for in-depth discussion in MBA, executive, and general management programs on four key topics: the allocation of limited resources in organizations with a social mission; the creation of a value proposition that balances social impact with benefits for the collaborating company; the leadership skills required to scale a social enterprise while maintaining flexibility and close connections with beneficiaries; and the evaluation of various strategies for financing, public legitimization, and potential lobbying. The discussion can be approached through the lenses of leadership and people management, ethics, entrepreneurial initiative, and social innovation. Additionally, it can serve as a self-governance case, exploring the impact of wounds and traumas on individuals' lives.
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"Way2Work: Playing a bad hand (A)"
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