BizAsChangeAgent-Jul24-2014

Business as a Change Agent for Economic and Social Good

Dr. Joseph Williams

Dean School of Business, Government, and Economics

E N G A G I N G T H E C U L T U R E , C H A N G I N G T H E W O R L D .

©2001 Seattle Pacific University

What the SBGE Stands forThe School of Business and Economics seeks To prepare students for service and leadership in business and

society by developing their professional competence and integrity in the context of Christian faith and values.

To develop an academically and theologically rigorous understanding of business and economics and to effectively promote this understanding through teaching, pursuit of scholarship, and engagement with the broader business community.

The School of Business and Economics is committed to developing and evangelizing a paradigm that challenges business to achieve more than simple profit maximization by committing to investments, activities, and outcomes that enhance human and community flourishing in a more just and sustainable world.

©2014 Seattle Pacific University

Goals of the SBGELearning Goals Competence: SEB graduates will be able to articulate discipline-specific

knowledge and apply skills essential for service and leadership Character: SBE graduates will embody personal and professional integrity by

serving the public good in doing what is right and doing so with an awareness of the consequences

Community: SBE graduates will cultivate a life of friendship, civility and community through responsible discourse and respect for each other

Influence Goals SBE will develop an academically and theologically rigorous understanding of

business and economics grounded in Scripture and the traditions of the Church SBE will continue as a learning community which prizes excellence in

scholarship and will effectively promote its understanding of business within SPU and to the broader academy

SBE will present its theologically-informed understanding of business to the broader business community

©2001 Seattle Pacific University

Business as an Agent for Economic and Social Good is not a new idea

USA had deep roots in the idea of Business for the Common Good

©2001 Seattle Pacific University

But Business disconnected from Society

“Global” – little or no loyalty to nation or to community

Views public policy interests as immoral restriction on pursuit of profits

Profit maximization is sole focus, accrues to the benefit of executives and shareholders

Employees are resources to be used, not developed or invested in

If you can’t grow revenues at least you can cut costs

Business as a Force for Good is on the rise

Don’t be evil The rise of Benefit

Corporations Environmental

Activism Invest in people and

communities Healthy outcomes Sustainability Eradicate Poverty

©2001 Seattle Pacific University

Do Companies doing good make good investments?

Studies so far shows no better financial outcomes for amoral corporations than those that have a “common good” focus

“Common good” companies have happier and more motivated employees and they have more loyal customers

©2001 Seattle Pacific University

Business is reconnecting with Society

Values matter Millennials (in particular) want to work at and

buy from companies that recognize and contribute to a social purpose

Social Venture entrepreneurship is exploding