The New Nature of Business

Transform your understanding of the role played by for-profit enterprises in the markets, society, and the world In Seven Generations Leadership, a team of celebrated executives and philanthropists delivers a practical and timely discussion of how for-profit enterprise can and should re-orient their perspectives to consider a long-term, inclusive, and sustainable view of their actions. In the book, you'll find straightforward and practical solutions to long-standing problems that have bedeviled firms for too long. You'll learn about how a myopic focus on short-term shareholder returns damages companies, stakeholders, and the planet over time, and what you can do to change that. You'll also find: Discussions of companies with visionary leaders, like Harley Davidson, Holcim, and Schneider Electric, all of whom have taken a holistic view of their role in the world and reaped substantial financial rewards as a result A convincing case for why focusing on short-term shareholder returns ultimately shortchanges your company's employees, investors, and other stakeholders Strategies for addressing the many externalities--natural, social, and human--that are brought about by modern capitalism A must-read book for business students and leaders, entrepreneurs, founders, and people who work at large- and mid-sized companies around the world, Seven Generations Leadership is also an insightful and timely exploration of issues relevant to the consultants and other professionals who advise these companies and their leadership teams.