Book Review

“The Civil Corporation” by Simon Zadek. Earthscan. 2007.
Reviewed by George Starcher

Simon Zadek, honorary member of EBBF and previous keynote speaker at an EBBF Annual Conference, again demonstrates his visionary and cutting edge thinking on the emerging role of business in society. In this revised edition, which is highly recommended reading for all members of EBBF and like-minded souls, Zadek looks rather critically at recent and present efforts to demonstrate corporate responsibility and to build effective multistakeholder partnerships. At the same time he expresses ‘sceptical optimism as a productive stance to take in assessing the potential and pitfalls of corporate citizenship.’ In presenting possible scenarios to meet the many societal and environmental challenges, Zadek describes a possible paradigm shift in the respective roles of business and its stakeholders. He underscores the necessary redefinition of the purpose of business, as was done recently in the EBBF publication on “Purpose beyond Profit,” and the prime importance values must play in tomorrow’s organizations.

Here are a few quotes that will resonate with members of EBBF:

“Coming decades will see radical shifts in how they (corporations) are owned, managed and governed…”
“The civil corporation is proposed as one that takes full advantage of opportunities for learning and action in building social and environmental objectives into its core business by effectively developing its internal values and competencies.”
“Stakeholder engagement is arguably the most critical ingredient in the development of the civil corporation.”
“Values are thus integral to the organizational dynamics of the New Economy.”

One World One People,
how globalization is shaping our future.
by Gregory C. Dahl, 2007.

One World is written in non-technical language and is aimed at the general reader or student interested in understanding how globalization is shaping our lives and our future or having a more specific interest in world affairs and global issues.
The book analyzes the technological and economic forces at work in the world that have contracted and increasingly interconnected the world over the past 150 years, and are continuing to do so at an accelerating pace.
As international economics is the author’s profession, and most of the debate on globalization centers on economic issues, the discussion of the global economy in One World is developed at greater length than other aspects of globalization. The economic interconnections between countries and how balance-of-payments and currency crises develop are explained in laymen’s terms, including the major alternative monetary systems, with the conclusion that currency unions (like the euro area in Europe) will prove the only logical solution to currency instability.
In the final chapter the book discusses the future and invites the reader to consider what role he or she wishes to play in the unfolding drama of the realization of the unity of mankind and the establishment of a peaceful world order.
One World does not offer simplistic solutions or quick fixes for global problems. On the contrary, it emphasizes the necessity of global institution-building as the only assurance of stability, peace and prosperity in the world. In a world in which visionary leadership among politicians is rare, the thinking public needs a greater understanding of global issues. The book aims to further such understanding.
Gregory Dahl’s experience over 27 years as an economist with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has given him an unusual perspective and preparation for writing this book. He has worked closely with high-level policy-makers in different areas of the globe, helping them in their struggles with serious economic and social crises, including a total of 10 years in field positions as resident representative of the IMF (in Haiti, Sierra Leone, Bulgaria and Madagascar). These experiences have given him both a wide overview of global economic problems, and a deep appreciation for the practical dilemmas faced by leaders, as well as their human and often moral shortcomings in dealing with those dilemmas. They have permitted him to observe first-hand the relationships between governmental policies and the welfare of individual, ordinary citizens.

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