After decades in which businesses—plus their brands, boards, business models and value chains—have been targeted, our next challenge is to redesign markets.
Why would we not consider to move beyond capitalism? Mohamed Yunus describes very well in his book about 3 zeros that the capitalist system seems to imply the concentration of wealth moving to the few at the top. So why would we consider keeping that system alive. Wouldn't it be more fruitful to aim at creating a new system where people, organizations, societies play a role in cooperation with other life forms, the Planet and the universe and where the aim is to benefit all and not just the few?
Thanks for another thought provoking essay, John. Two sentences stood out:
1. ...sustainability, in current market conditions, is not rewarding shareholders...
2. ...sustainability is our biggest market failure.
Both in my mind cry out for governments to step up to the plate to ensure environmental & social costs (& benefits) are factored into corporate profit calculation. Profit is ultimately the greatest driing force for moving business. This cannot be a voluntary exercise. It must be required. Easier said than done. Some suggestions on how to get started here:
It is all about value chain. Cooperation in the vlue chain is indispensable! So far strategic management in value chains is paying a lot of attention to the financials. The 'soft side' is underrated. There is the creativity, including creativity sparked by sustainability thinking. If properly used, this sustainability thinking can have an outreach which goes far beyond the sustainability domain itself!
Do not forget in the value chain 'trade', very powerful! Although the big producers are the eyecatchers; in the end they are at the mercy of 'trade'. Their perception about what consumers want is deciding in the end.!
Why would we not consider to move beyond capitalism? Mohamed Yunus describes very well in his book about 3 zeros that the capitalist system seems to imply the concentration of wealth moving to the few at the top. So why would we consider keeping that system alive. Wouldn't it be more fruitful to aim at creating a new system where people, organizations, societies play a role in cooperation with other life forms, the Planet and the universe and where the aim is to benefit all and not just the few?
Thanks for another thought provoking essay, John. Two sentences stood out:
1. ...sustainability, in current market conditions, is not rewarding shareholders...
2. ...sustainability is our biggest market failure.
Both in my mind cry out for governments to step up to the plate to ensure environmental & social costs (& benefits) are factored into corporate profit calculation. Profit is ultimately the greatest driing force for moving business. This cannot be a voluntary exercise. It must be required. Easier said than done. Some suggestions on how to get started here:
https://www.wri.org/insights/make-market-work-people-and-planet
Spot on John- we’re kickstarting the Regenovation Incubator to do exactly that- whole systems, waste to wealth, regenerative growth
It is all about value chain. Cooperation in the vlue chain is indispensable! So far strategic management in value chains is paying a lot of attention to the financials. The 'soft side' is underrated. There is the creativity, including creativity sparked by sustainability thinking. If properly used, this sustainability thinking can have an outreach which goes far beyond the sustainability domain itself!
Do not forget in the value chain 'trade', very powerful! Although the big producers are the eyecatchers; in the end they are at the mercy of 'trade'. Their perception about what consumers want is deciding in the end.!
Insightful article and insightful comments
Thanks for your continued writing, John. Of course you know I agree!