Global sustainable leadership
(week 1)
Perspective of business specialism & topics
Value spectrum
We are at the end of the industrial era as we know it. Society is confronted with many
big challenges (economic, social, ecologic, etc.) that are complex, interdependent and
cannot be solved by single organizations and not by continuing to apply “old” models
and paradigms.
The COVID crisis makes underlying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in society visible
and has the potential to act as a catalyst to accelerate the transition to a new era.
The pendulum in business is swinging back focus on shareholders to a more inclusive
stakeholder approach: forcing businesses to rethink and redefine their purpose in
support of the Sustainable Developmentl Goals (SDG’s)
This forces business to become specific wrt to value that is created beyond economic
value (social- and ecological value)
Addressing societal challenges can create substantial shared value creation
opportunities for corporations and could therewith - arguably - by the key energy source
behind the much-needed changes and transformations.
,Net positive companies
A net positive company improves the lives of everyone it touches, from customers and
suppliers to employees and communities, increasing long-term shareholder returns in
the process. Takes ownership of all the social and environmental impacts its business
model creates.
An integrated approach:
How does a leader of a net positive company look?
B(enefit) corporation
Certified B corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified
social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to
, balance profit and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine
success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
Society’s most challenging problems cannot be solved by government and non-profits
alone. By harnessing the power of business, B Corps use profits and growth as a
means to a greater end: positive impact for their employees, communities, and the
environment. The B corp community works toward reduced inequality, lower levels of
poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities, and the creation of more high-
quality jobs with dignity and purpose.
B Corps form a community of leaders and drive a global movement of people using
business as a force for good. The values and aspirations of the B Corp community are
embedded in the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence.
The “value spectrum” and its key actors
There are 10 million NGO’s worldwide, only 60 of these operate internationally.
The aid market in concern to NGO’s would be equal to the fifth largest economy in the
world (in terms of countries).
(week 2)
Neo-classical view in economics
The purpose of business is NOT to:
- Provide employment
- Eliminate discrimination
- Avoid pollution
- Help the community
- Make life better for workers
(week 1)
Perspective of business specialism & topics
Value spectrum
We are at the end of the industrial era as we know it. Society is confronted with many
big challenges (economic, social, ecologic, etc.) that are complex, interdependent and
cannot be solved by single organizations and not by continuing to apply “old” models
and paradigms.
The COVID crisis makes underlying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in society visible
and has the potential to act as a catalyst to accelerate the transition to a new era.
The pendulum in business is swinging back focus on shareholders to a more inclusive
stakeholder approach: forcing businesses to rethink and redefine their purpose in
support of the Sustainable Developmentl Goals (SDG’s)
This forces business to become specific wrt to value that is created beyond economic
value (social- and ecological value)
Addressing societal challenges can create substantial shared value creation
opportunities for corporations and could therewith - arguably - by the key energy source
behind the much-needed changes and transformations.
,Net positive companies
A net positive company improves the lives of everyone it touches, from customers and
suppliers to employees and communities, increasing long-term shareholder returns in
the process. Takes ownership of all the social and environmental impacts its business
model creates.
An integrated approach:
How does a leader of a net positive company look?
B(enefit) corporation
Certified B corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified
social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to
, balance profit and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine
success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
Society’s most challenging problems cannot be solved by government and non-profits
alone. By harnessing the power of business, B Corps use profits and growth as a
means to a greater end: positive impact for their employees, communities, and the
environment. The B corp community works toward reduced inequality, lower levels of
poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities, and the creation of more high-
quality jobs with dignity and purpose.
B Corps form a community of leaders and drive a global movement of people using
business as a force for good. The values and aspirations of the B Corp community are
embedded in the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence.
The “value spectrum” and its key actors
There are 10 million NGO’s worldwide, only 60 of these operate internationally.
The aid market in concern to NGO’s would be equal to the fifth largest economy in the
world (in terms of countries).
(week 2)
Neo-classical view in economics
The purpose of business is NOT to:
- Provide employment
- Eliminate discrimination
- Avoid pollution
- Help the community
- Make life better for workers
