Kind Business is about doing business differently. It outlines the business case for a long-term focus on stakeholder primacy over a short-term focus on shareholder primacy. Those seeking to work for companies they can be proud of, customers wanting to deal with ethical businesses and regulators wishing to ensure good governance will all reward responsible companies. The equation is simple; if a business does good then the business will do well. Can you imagine a world where corporations prioritise their people, their customers and society's wellbeing alongside investor returns. In Kind Business Dr David Cooke journeys through the evolution of commerce, from its humble origins to the complex corporate structures of today. Kind Business scrutinises contemporary boardroom decisions, challenging the status quo and advocating for change. This book exposes the flaws of profit-driven business practices that are focused on short-term returns which overshadow long-term sustainability. Dr Cooke contends that the root cause lies in leadership failure, where decisions neglect the broader stakeholder ecosystem. Numerous contemporary business case studies are cited from Qantas to Rio Tinto and PwC along with spectacular fails globally. But there is hope. Kind Business offers a blueprint for a new era of corporate responsibility, emphasising the integration of people and planet into leadership strategies. By highlighting visionary leaders such as Paul Polman, the former Global CEO of Unilever and Yvon Chouinard, the Founder of Patagonia, their purpose-driven initiatives, both from within Australia as well as globally, Dr Cooke demonstrates how business can thrive by enriching society while nurturing investor returns. Embrace a future where values create value, where businesses do well by doing good. Can you imagine such a world? Kind Business shows us that it's not only possible but demonstrates through research, case studies and practical guidelines how to build a business with a long-term sustainable future.
