Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire
Shortlisted for the FT & McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award 2020
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- £4.99
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- £4.99
Publisher Description
***SHORTLISTED FOR FT & MCKINSEY BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020***
FT Best books of 2020: Business
'In a world on fire, status quo is not a great option. Henderson rightfully argues for the refoundation of capitalism and offers thought-provoking ideas on what needs to be done to address some of the world's greatest challenges.' Hubert Joly, former chairman and CEO, BestBuy
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What if business could help solve the greatest problems of our time?
Free market capitalism is one of humanity's greatest inventions, and the greatest source of prosperity the world has ever seen. But it's also on the verge of destroying the planet and destabilizing society in its single-minded pursuit of maximizing shareholder value.
Rebecca Henderson, McArthur University Professor at Harvard University, argues for a new framework; one that can simultaneously make a positive societal impact by confronting the realities of the environment and the need to address social and economic inequality, while also delivering sustained financial performance to ensure economic growth that brings prosperity and wellbeing to society as a whole.
Drawing on the lessons of companies from around the world who are acting on this responsibility - who are not only surviving but are thriving, becoming leaders in their industries and beginning to drive the wheels of change - Professor Henderson proves that this is not only a moral imperative for business but also the only way to remain competitive in our changing world.
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'You need to read Rebecca Henderson's Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire. This is a book for the realist with a heart.' Arthur C. Brooks, president emeritus, American Enterprise Institute; senior fellow, Harvard Business School; and author of Love Your Enemies
'Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire is a breath of fresh air. Written in lively prose, easily accessible to lay readers, and chock-full of interesting case studies, Henderson comprehensively surveys what we need to do to secure a workable future.' Larry Kramer, president, Hewlett Foundation
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Corporations and industries must shift the capitalist paradigm from maximizing shareholder value to "build great products in the service of the social good," according to this lucid and optimistic manifesto by Harvard University business professor Henderson (coeditor, Leading Sustainable Change). To combat "massive environmental degradation, economic inequality, and institutional collapse," Henderson identifies five key areas of reform: creating shared value between businesses and consumers; building "purpose-driven" organizations; establishing financial metrics to measure the environmental and social impact of business practices; cooperating on sustainable, self-regulatory standards across whole industries; and private sector support for democratic reforms. Henderson backs her claim that such changes are possible by citing numerous examples, including Unilever's profitable development of a sustainable tea supply chain, King Arthur Flour's commitment to empowering employees, and the partial repeal of North Carolina's "bathroom bill" under public and corporate pressure. Though Henderson's case to industry leaders is strong, her suggestions for general readers (eat less meat, "get political," become "values-driven intrapreneurs'" within their companies) feel scattershot. Nevertheless, this accessible and richly detailed call to action offers a clear vision for policy makers and business executives who agree with Henderson that the private sector has an obligation to tackle the world's biggest problems. Daniel Stern, the Stern Strategy Group.
Customer Reviews
Thought provoking, practical and inspiring
The most engaging business book I’ve ever read (and I’ve read plenty!). Rebecca Henderson takes the reader on a journey to reimagine capitalism, building belief that we really can achieve the seemingly impossible. Global leaders present and wannabe, take note!