The High-Purpose Company: The Truly Responsible (and Highly Profitable) Firms That Are Changing Business Now

Synopsis

Illustrated with profiles of dozens of major companies, the book enables readers to easily distinguish between true and false corporate responsibility, and uncovers a groundbreaking process for achieving total corporate health. Which one of these companies is the better corporate citizen? Wal-Mart, which, in response to multiple lawsuits and complaints that it treats workers unfairly, waged a multi-million dollar 2004 advertising campaign that countered accusations and characterized the basis of its bad publicity as urban legend, or Gap, which, after spending years at the top of anti-sweatshop activist lists for its role in perpetuating unfair labor conditions overseas, released a candid 2004 CSR report that acknowledged that the company made mistakes and pledged to more constructively address labour issues in the future. In The High-Purpose Company , corporate strategist and researcher Christine Arena shows that some extraordinary companies are driven by purpose, whereas others simply pretend to be. The High-Purpose Company draws a clear line in the sand, enabling readers to easily distinguish between these two groups and make a giant leap forward. Using a groundbreaking methodology, Arena and her research team conducted thousands of hours of analysis on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices of 75 well-known firms. The surprising results of the study defy long-held myths, rewrite rules, reframe strategic priorities, and reveal a new breed of business. Real CSR is about change, not charity. The High-Purpose Company uncovers this and other truths, and guides readers through the step-by-step process that is currently embraced by the world's most forward-thinking firms.