Wk 12: Becoming a Change-Maker

In Charles Handy's article, "What's a Business For?", he describes the American business market at the turn of this century. There were stories of accounting scandals that rocked the professional world here. Handy explains why virtue and integrity are so vital to any economy. When employees, managers, CEOs begin to work only for themselves and not for the betterment of the whole company, progress is hindered. Companies have to make up for losses and, at the time, many had fudged the books to make the shareholders believe there was success where there was none. You then have a company full of people who don't trust each other, shareholders who don't trust the company and the public who doesn't trust any of them. Thus, the American ideal of capitalism takes a big hit. Handy cites a Gallup poll that found 90% of American's did not trust CEOs to care for their employees. The economy as a whole takes a hit when the populous doesn't trust the market with their money. "Markets rely on rules and laws, but those rules and laws in turn depend on truth and trust." (Handy, C. pg. 3) Trust is earned through experiences. It takes a lot of experience to gain back the trust of 90% of the population. As an entrepreneur, we each have a responsibility to work honestly, with virtue and integrity. Our business can be an example of how it is done well. A business owner who acts with integrity can be a change-maker in his or her own office and community. That effect will spread.

"The purpose of a business, in other words, is not to make a profit, full stop. It is to make a profit so that the business can do something more or better. That "something" becomes the real justification of the business." (Handy, C. pg. 5)

Handy's idea of paying dividends to the employees and not just to shareholders makes a lot of sense. Those employees are creating wealth by investing their time and their talents. As these workers see the payoff of their contributions, they will put even more energy into their work.

I also appreciate the author's recommendation for social sustainability. This past year has proven that people can and are productive in a comfortable workplace (home) with control over their own hours. Removing two hours a day for commuting has stepped up the amount of energy my husband has for his job. He is able to get more work done in less time, in fact, because he has been given the freedom to build his own day.

The business world is foreign to me. I have enjoyed my 27 years as a stay-at-home mom. My plan is to take some time to explore what my skills can offer professionally. There are many aspects of business that I have never considered before this class. I know I still have much to learn. I believe there is satisfaction to be found in creating an outlet that, not only serves my own need to be productive but provides a service within my community. I look forward to doing as Elder Holland encourages, to do what I can, be generous and God will be generous to me. 

Handy, Charles. December 2002. "What's a Business For?" https://services.hbsp.harvard.edu/lti/links/content-launch

Holland, Jeffrey R. "Are We Not All Beggars?". October 2014. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/10/are-we-not-all-beggars?lang=eng