One key question for the progressive CEO
Actually three questions around one theme: Engagement in uncomfortable, yet vitally important new areas that can lead to the systems reform we so desperately need for a more sustainable world to live in.
Here’s my mini series around the core theme of lasting, better systems change:
- What are the emerging corporate roles in inefficient
framework/policy/incentive reform? - How do we make better systems
together without individual or sector rent-seeking causing more harm
than good? - And how do we do this without relying on consumers to give us a short term business case? Or perhaps any business case?
My imperfect answer: Through better research-based, common
positions hammered out by stronger representative groups.
This can happen through more
progressive former CEOs such as Peter Bakker at the WBCSD taking member and industry groups to
a much higher and more collaborative and transparent level.
What say you?
I'm Toby Webb, founder of Innovation Forum, a sustainability focused research, publishing and events business. I'm also a lecturer on Corporate Responsibility at Kings College London and at Birkbeck, University of London. Tobias DOT Webb AT innovation-forum.co.uk
Toby, I think you are spot on. I think we need to redefine leadership in corporate sustainability to include a preparedness to engage, or campaign even, to secure the changes in the policy frameworks necessary for a sustainable future. So much so that I'm putting together a blog on this specific issue. It's work in progress, but check it out at http://thecampaigningbusiness.wordpress.com . Thoughts and comments welcome from you and your readers.
Thanks Thomas, blog looks good. I've signed up and will highlight the blog to readers.
Let's catch up soon, its been a while.
Toby