What is the purpose of a business? In what ways does a business create value and whom does it really serve? This book shows business leaders how to assess a company's performance, adopt a socially responsible approach to doing business and embark on a path of long-term growth.
Thousands of companies have pledged to act responsibly; very few have proven that they know how. The Responsibility Revolution will guide them.
You don't need to be a high-profile social activist to effect positive social change. How to Make the World a Better Place, in this updated and expanded edition, shows how just one person can make a difference in solving global, national, and local problems. Whether you're interested in feeding the hungry, protecting the environment, helping the homeless, or making your community a safer place to live, you'll find the means to get started in this book. Each chapter alerts you to problems that require attention, explains the issues and what has to be done about them, tells you specifically what you can do to help, and lists the addresses and phone numbers of organizations that you can contact. The twenty-fifth anniversary of Earth Day finds us all more socially and environmentally conscious than ever before. All it takes for you to make a difference is one first step—this book gives you the advice, the encouragement, the information, and the resources you need to take it. Then, instead of simply thinking about the world's problems, you'll be solving them.
Eight Steps toward a Sustainable Business Model
This book presents a pragmatic business model for sustainability, outlining eight essential steps that range from exploring a vision to promoting innovation, supported by case studies. While many recent publications advocate for sustainable practices, few delve into the specifics. Authors Francisco Szekely and Zahir Dossa propose a model that transcends the traditional triple bottom line framework. They emphasize the need for businesses to shift from merely justifying sustainability to adopting a sustainable business model, focusing on addressing societal needs rather than solely maximizing profits. Profitability should be viewed as a means to support sustainability rather than an end goal. The authors examine the challenges organizations face in pursuing sustainability, dedicating each chapter to one of the eight steps. Each chapter discusses a sustainability dilemma, provides a strategic framework, and includes case studies from companies like Tesla Motors, Patagonia, TOMs, and Panera, illustrating real-world applications. The book underscores the importance of leadership, asserting that leaders who challenge the status quo, inspire others, and embrace risk are crucial for fostering sustainable business practices.
Praise for The Age of Responsibility Wayne Visser's The Age of Responsibility elegantly and persuasively demonstrates the limits and failures of traditional CSR and also the kinds of reforms needed to create conditions for genuine corporate responsibility.