We know that greed and the dedication to profit at all costs is part of what has gone wrong with the monetary system.
We know that the planet's resources are unfairly apportioned – some people's portions are almost non-existent, and a very high percentage of wealth resides in the hands of just a few families, nations and sectors.
We know that unscrupulous employers still treat their staff badly, exploit the vulnerable and turn out inferior products.
But at the moment we still use money as a currency to exchange for goods and services. There are alternative systems springing up – more barter, more skills swaps and suchlike – however for most of us getting our groceries and clothing and paying for the services we use requires a certain amount of money. And for supply and demand to run smoothly, the people who supply our goods and services need to make money so they can continue.
Business needs to make money to survive. It doesn't necessarily need to make huge profits (or even any profits) to be successful, though. We live in a world where the expectation is that we expand all the time, the next quarterly and annual results are what drive many executives, and they are bound up in the expectations of shareholders who demand ample returns on their investments. Zero growth, and a stable, constant economy is not the current modus operandi even if it is thought of increasingly as an option for aiding recovery.
We have researched alternatives, read extensively and been privy to research carried out by major bodies both in the UK and globally which indicates that good practice as caring, compassionate companies with a loving approach impacts the bottom line positively – with happier employees, contented customers and satisfied shareholders. All Stakeholders – which is surely the inclusive word to use – taken care of and a more stable future in view.
Christine Miller
