Capitalism with a conscience
By its very existence, the term “social entrepreneurship” implies that capitalism ignores such factors as community, environment, doing the right thing, etc. In the past, these metrics were not measured on a P&L so for all intents and purposes, they did not exist. As a result, today we are faced with issues such as rampant cancer, disillusionment with corporate America, general unhappiness in the workplace, a lack of meaning in our lives and so on.
It’s possible to operate a profitable business that has a conscience. Look at companies such as Stonyfield Farm, Zappos, Ben & Jerry’s or Tom’s Shoes. They’ve incorporated human/environmental concepts into their businesses and are thriving as a result.
Yes, you may have shareholders to answer to. But figuring out a way to be profitable and care about your employees/the environment is in the best interests of your shareholders. After all, you can’t do business on a planet that’s dead.
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