Is social purpose picking up the torch from CSR?
Critics of corporate social responsibility (CSR) say that the past 20 years haven’t produced much in terms of actual, on-the-ground changes to companies’ business models.
The new high-water mark for purpose: using the United Nations SDGs to set your company’s north star
Ever since the global community adopted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, we’ve been waiting for the business community to show meaningful leadership. In Canada, I think we see it now!
Purpose Partnerships: Ground-breaking study shows major change in leader companies’ path to purpose and partnerships
The role of business in society is being redefined – and so are business partnerships. As businesses take on new roles, to contribute more explicitly to societal well-being through the Social Purpose Business Model, they find that their relationships to their long-term community partners change as well.
“We are post-CSR”: Corporate Leaders in New Study Show Shift to Purpose
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) doesn’t cut it any more. Leader companies are putting distance between themselves and this approach. They don’t find it to be relevant to their growth or business models.
Corporate World 2019: Does the Future Look Friendly?
Are corporations sociopathic or socially-purposeful? Just over 15 years ago the film The Corporation decried the pathological nature of corporate life. Its argument channeled worldwide concerns that business was a scourge on the planet.
Future Shock: Is Higher Education Ready for the Impact?
Industries, companies and governments are retooling for the future, driven by the sustainability imperatives of climate change, resource, food and water scarcity, social polarization and rising income inequality.
Far from far-fetched goals
Resources, assets, reach. The private sector is compelled to muster all three to tackle the complex issues that are essential to realizing a sustainable future for themselves, their customers and society.
Corporate kick needed to reboot sustainable public policy
It is becoming increasingly clear sustainable public policies are essential if we are to achieve a sustainable future. Democratic institutions have painstakingly created laws, rules, regulations and policies that enabled the old economy.
Philanthropy Pivots on Purpose
Classical American economist Milton Friedman would turn in his grave if he knew the interests of investors and corporate philanthropists were converging. In an influential 1970 New York Times article, Friedman argued persuasively that the sole social responsibility of business is to increase its profits.
Partnering for Good: Big impacts from pooling expertise and resources
Environmental and social issues are growing in importance and increasingly affecting the viability of business – and the communities and environments where they operate. A proven way to address these issues is through partnerships in which business and non-profits collaborate for mutual benefit and create solutions to societal challenges.
About the clout: Pro-sustainability businesses lobby for greater good
Increasingly, businesses are using their clout to influence governments to advance a fair, inclusive and sustainable society and position their business for success. They recognize that government leadership is essential to develop progressive economic, social and environmental public policy to realize a future in which business and society can prosper.
The circular revolution: purposeful packaging
Step by step. Product by product. Standard by standard. Consumer by consumer. That is what it will take to re-engineer our take-make-dispose economy so it is “restorative and regenerative by design, keeping products, components and materials at their highest utility and value at all times, distinguishing between technical and biological cycles.” (Ellen MacArthur Foundation)