"Saving Capitalism from Itself"
In 1969, a concerned American citizen sent the following letter for inclusion in the records of the United States Senate Subcommittee on Air and Water Pollution’s 1969 field hearings in St. Louis, Missouri: “[My organization] is proud that it involves itself socially and politically in all the great issues of our times. We take positions … Continue reading “What difference will any of it make…?”
Since the Japanese Quality Revolution of the 1970s and 80s, companies have been obsessed with hearing and incorporating the “Voice of the Customer” into their management systems and processes. Many still struggle to incorporate this elusive voice effectively–to be truly customer driven. Indeed, many firms are still on the journey to learn how to “build … Continue reading Listening to the Voice of the Planet
Raj Sisodia is a leading figure in the Conscious Capitalism movement – he is the FW Olin Distinguished Professor of Global Business and Whole Foods Market Research Scholar in Conscious Capitalism at Babson College in Wellesley, MA. He is also Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Conscious Capitalism Inc. Let’s begin by asking: what is a conscious business? … Continue reading What is a Conscious Business? An Interview with Raj Sisodia
Philip Kotler calls for economic reform in Confronting Capitalism and envisions a kinder, gentler capitalism (to paraphrase President George H.W. Bush). Economic reform is not something the U.S. judicial branch takes kindly too. While Kotler’s book includes 14 shortcomings of capitalism, there is little mention of the judiciary. In my view a fifteenth shortcoming in needed. … Continue reading Judicial Obstruction of Economic Reform
… then I don’t know what is. Monsanto’s U.S. market share is 90% in soybean and 80% in corn seed sales (Dan Mitchell, Fortune). In the same article, Larry Robbins of the Glenview Capital hedge fund goes further and says Monsanto has “perpetual local monopolies.” They tie farmers to contracts for life. The Monsanto case is a perfect illustration of at … Continue reading If 90% Market Share Isn’t a Monopoly …
In April 2015, Capital Institute released Regenerative Capitalism (by John Fullerton) at an event hosted by Yale University. John Fullerton is the founder and president of Capital Institute, “a collaborative working to explore and effect the economic transition to a more just, regenerative, and thus sustainable way of living on this earth through the transformation of finance.” Through the … Continue reading REPORT: Regenerative Capitalism
Richard Stengel interviews Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates. We’ll reference this conversation in future discussions. The big question: how can we, as a society, encourage companies to do good?
Many a bitter fight is waged over tax policy. How high should sales taxes go? How should we tax personal income? What deductions should be allowed? Should all income regardless of the source be treated the same? Most countries have a similar list of income classes: the poor, the working class, the middle class, the … Continue reading A Note on Progressive Taxation of Personal Income
Confronting Capitalism by Philip Kotler is organized around 14 shortcomings. The list is broad and his thinking is brave and deep without being strident or bleak—a daunting challenge and a wonderful contribution given the controversial if not explosive nature of emotions at the intersection of money and politics. Kotler’s inaugural post for this site invites enhancements … Continue reading The Great Corporate Tax Dodge
Lisa Sideris, Indiana University, Bloomington When the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose Francis as his papal name, he signaled to the world a dual commitment to sustainability and the global poor. His namesake, Saint Francis of Assisi, was a man of poverty and peace who loved nature and animals, and is said to have … Continue reading With encyclical, Pope Francis elevates environmental justice
Welcome! As you’re aware, we live in a time where rational voices are increasingly questioning the shortcomings of capitalism. A group of us are starting a new online-community called FIXCapitalism.com and I wanted to personally invite you to participate. My name is Phil Kotler, and I’m a professor at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. The community brings together business … Continue reading Introduction
