Let's Redefine Capitalism

Posted by Maphesdus 11 years, 5 months ago to Economics
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I thought this was a pretty good article. It discusses how many companies these days are orienting themselves towards higher purposes, rather than simply focusing on turning a profit. I think that's a good mentality to have, and it refreshing to see more and more businesses operating under that model.

There's also a really good book on the subject of social capitalism titled "The Social Capitalist," by Josh and Lisa Lannon. Here's the Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Social-Capital...

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  • Posted by Hiraghm 11 years, 5 months ago in reply to this comment.
    Not entirely true.

    Some has been lost to outgassing, but much has been gained by bombardment from space. We're continually being rained upon by celestial debris.

    But, as Isaac Asimov pointed out in his most excellent "The Martian Way":
    There are one and a quarter QUINTILLION TONS of water on Earth.


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  • Posted by khalling 11 years, 5 months ago
    The premises the social entrepreneurship are based on are flawed. It would be immoral for a company to engage in projects based on incorrect science such as water scarcity as a way to demonstrate some sort of kinder gentler capitalism. This is a bunch of feel good nonsense. And those who refuse to use their brains to vet the worthiness of such social projects should not be indulged. For the record conservation of water is is best established by accurately pricing water in a given market and ensuring proper infrastructure. The exact same amount of water exists on the earth today as in its creation
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  • Posted by $ minniepuck 11 years, 5 months ago
    I worked for the corporate social responsibility portion of a very large multinational years ago. while it was a lot of fun, the ultimate purpose was still to turn a profit. these community outreach programs and other activities some corporations have to take care of their employees or give them a fun, team building day (like going out for a "treasure hunt" with people from various departments) are all shaped to build employee and customer loyalty. the thoughts are something like. "we care about our employees. come work for us. work extra hours, too" and "we do good for our community. buy from us and help us do more good." I'm not saying this is a bad thing, although the end product is more expensive for the consumer because of it. if customers are willing to pay for it, all right. the workplace IS changed because of them and lots of folks really like it and stay put because of them. employee turnover is very expensive and customer loyalty is a hard fight to win. but - the bottom line is always in mind behind all these programs. the moment they become unprofitable, they die.

    thanks for the link to the book. I find this social trend interesting and will be checking it out.
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