Wayne Visser
University of Cambridge, Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership, Department Member
- Business Ethics, Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Responsibility, Triple Bottom Line, Corporate Sustainability, and 10 moreSustainable Business, Sustainability Leadership, Responsible Leadership, Sustainable Leadership, Change Management, Futures Research, Development Studies, Human Rights, Social Responsibility, and Environmental Sustainabilityedit
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... of CSR guidelines, codes and standards (there are more than 100 listed in The A to Z of Corporate Social Responsibility (Visser, Matten, Pohl, & Tolhurst, 2010)), with industry sector and climate change variations on the theme.... more
... of CSR guidelines, codes and standards (there are more than 100 listed in The A to Z of Corporate Social Responsibility (Visser, Matten, Pohl, & Tolhurst, 2010)), with industry sector and climate change variations on the theme. Why is all this potted history of CSR important in a ...
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In our recently launched book entitled Beyond Reasonable Greed (Visser & Sunter 2002), we attributed the phenomenon of unreasonable corporate greed to boards “being collectively swept along by the prevailing paradigm of success which is... more
In our recently launched book entitled Beyond Reasonable Greed (Visser & Sunter 2002), we attributed the phenomenon of unreasonable corporate greed to boards “being collectively swept along by the prevailing paradigm of success which is purely financial.” However, we added the following rider: “In light of Enron’s failure, this judgment may be overly kind and more cases of dodgy accounting, inflated profits and insider trading by the board may pop up in Corporate America and Corporate Europe.” Well, since publication of the first impression of the book, they have popped up! Starting with WorldCom, but extending to other corporate heavyweights as well. Big business is under the whip like never before from the public and politicians alike. And the accounting profession, in particular, is feeling very uncomfortable under the harsh interrogative spotlight. However, if the response to all the accounting irregularities and other misdemeanours is merely to throw a few CEOs in jail and thre...
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Integrated Value Creat ion (IVC) is a concept and practice that has emerged from a long tradition of think ing on the role of business in soc iety (Carroll, 1999). It has its roots in what many today call corporate (soc ial)... more
Integrated Value Creat ion (IVC) is a concept and practice that has emerged from a long tradition of think ing on the role of business in soc iety (Carroll, 1999). It has its roots in what many today call corporate (soc ial) responsibility, or CSR, corporate citizenship, business ethic s, and corporate sustainab ility (Visser et al., 2010). These ideas also have a long history but can be seen to have evolved primarily along tw o strands - let's call them streams of consciousness: the responsibility stream and the sustainability stream.Two Streams Flowing into OneThe responsibility stream had its origins in the mid-to-late 1800s with industrialists like John D. Roc kefeller and Dale Carneg ie setting a precedent for community philanthropy, while others like John Cadbury and John H. Patterson seeded the employee welfare movement (Carroll, 2008). Fast forw ard a hundred years or so, and we see the first social responsibility codes start to emerge, such as the Sullivan Princ ip les ...
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Fortunately, the role of economics in this environmental revisioning process has been included on the political agenda. Towards the end of 1993, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism established an Environmental Resource... more
Fortunately, the role of economics in this environmental revisioning process has been included on the political agenda. Towards the end of 1993, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism established an Environmental Resource Economics Steering Committee, which issued a number of discussion documents on the use of economic instruments in environmental management. More recently, a discussion document on “A National Strategy for Integrated Environmental Management in South Africa” was released which contains a whole chapter on market-based instruments, covering the following items:
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The call now being sounded therefore is for what US futurist Willis Harman would call a new “central project” in business. This transformed focus could include service to society as the key goal of business. Enhanced quality of life could... more
The call now being sounded therefore is for what US futurist Willis Harman would call a new “central project” in business. This transformed focus could include service to society as the key goal of business. Enhanced quality of life could be its guiding principle and a strong set of ethics and values its foundation. Further, the search for meaning and creativity in the work place as well as holistic personal and collective learning could become the key measures of performance within an organisation.
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Research Interests: Psychology and Routledge
The CSR 2.0 principle of circularity has roots in life cycle assessment, cleaner production, sustainable consumption and cradle to cradle concepts. In The Age of Responsibility, I explore various well known multinational examples, from... more
The CSR 2.0 principle of circularity has roots in life cycle assessment, cleaner production, sustainable consumption and cradle to cradle concepts. In The Age of Responsibility, I explore various well known multinational examples, from Interface’s carpets and Nike’s Considered Design shoes to Coca-Cola’s water neutral initiative and Tesco’s carbon neutral programme. But there are also smaller, more nimble companies, like Seventh Generation, that are able to go much further much faster. What can we learn from these companies that are intentionally sustainable ‘by design’?
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There are flowers to fit every occasion. But if you are celebrating WorldWater Week (26-31 August), you might want to think twice. A single rose – grown in Kenya, as many of the world's cut flowers are – takes around 10 litres of... more
There are flowers to fit every occasion. But if you are celebrating WorldWater Week (26-31 August), you might want to think twice. A single rose – grown in Kenya, as many of the world's cut flowers are – takes around 10 litres of water to produce, with the so-called water footprint, or virtual water export, of Kenya's floriculture industry having more than doubled over the past 15 years, mostly to supply the Netherlands (69%), the UK (18%) and Germany (7%).
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Introduction.- Ages and Stages of CSR.- The Failure of CSR 1.0.- CSR 2.0 as a New Metaphor.- Principles of CSR 2.0.- Assessing CSR 2.0 Performance.- Conclusion.
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In CSR circles, we see the task of creating a more equitable and sustainable world as both a serious challenge and an enormous opportunity. We are convinced that without bold and effective leadership – at a political, institutional and... more
In CSR circles, we see the task of creating a more equitable and sustainable world as both a serious challenge and an enormous opportunity. We are convinced that without bold and effective leadership – at a political, institutional and individual level – we will fail to resolve our most serious social and environmental crises. We will also miss out on the vast business opportunities presented by society’s transition to a sustainable economy.
Research Interests: Psychology and Routledge
Despite allusions to systemic elements in the conception of innovation more generally, and sustainable innovation in particular, the literature generally fails to capture many of the insights that systems science can bring to our... more
Despite allusions to systemic elements in the conception of innovation more generally, and sustainable innovation in particular, the literature generally fails to capture many of the insights that systems science can bring to our understanding of these subjects. This concept paper elaborates five principles of integrated innovation—diversity, aspiration, networks, convergence and emergence—and describes five stages of integrated innovation: intention, ideation, invention, synovation and transformation.
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Introduction Polly Courtice, Director, Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership A. Global challenges I. Environment, health and safety 1. State of the planet With spotlights on the WWF Living Planet Index and the UN Millennium... more
Introduction Polly Courtice, Director, Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership A. Global challenges I. Environment, health and safety 1. State of the planet With spotlights on the WWF Living Planet Index and the UN Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2. Crisis events With spotlights on Exxon Valdez, Shell Brent Spar and Shell in Nigeria 3. Climate change With spotlights on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol 4. Health and safety With spotlights on OHSAS 18001, 'Big Pharma' and access to AIDS drugs II. Society and economy 5. Globalisation and its critics With spotlights on the protests in Seattle and Genoa, and Live 8 and Make Poverty History 6. Poverty and development With spotlights on the Millennium Development Goals and the Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) model 7. Human rights With spotlights on Nike and the UN Norms on Business and Human Rights 8. Corruption and transparency With spotlights on Transparency International's indexes and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative B. Global responses III. Leadership 9. World summits With spotlights on the Rio Earth Summit and the Johannesburg World Summit 10. Business associations With spotlights on the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the UN Global Compact 11. Leadership initiatives With spotlights on the World Economic Forum and the World Social Forum 12. Social enterprise With spotlights on Grameen Bank and the Schwab and Skoll Foundations IV. Collaboration 13. Industry initiatives With spotlights on Responsible Care and the Forest Stewardship Council 14. Financial initiatives With spotlights on the UNEP Finance Initiative and the Equator Principles 15. Sustainable investment With spotlights on sustainability indexes and clean-tech investment 16. Sustainable consumerism With spotlights on eco-labelling and fairtrade V. Management 17. Codes and standards With spotlights on ISO 14001 and SA8000 18. Corporate governance With spotlights on Enron's collapse and the King Report on Corporate Governance 19. Sustainability reporting With spotlights on the Global Reporting Initiative and the Carbon Disclosure Project 20. Stakeholder engagement With spotlights on McDonald's (McLibel and Super Size Me) and AccountAbility (AA1000 and Responsible Competitiveness Index Conclusion Mike Peirce, Deputy Director, Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership Landmarks timeline
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"Signposts to Sustainability" draws together in one volume some of the best thinking to date on the pressing social and environmental challenges we face as a society. It includes profiles of the Top 50 Sustainability Books, as... more
"Signposts to Sustainability" draws together in one volume some of the best thinking to date on the pressing social and environmental challenges we face as a society. It includes profiles of the Top 50 Sustainability Books, as voted for by the University of Cambridge Programme for Industry's alumni network of over 2,000 senior leaders from around the world. In addition, many of the authors share their most recent reflections on the state of the world and the ongoing attempts by business, government and civil society to create a more sustainable future. Many of these authors have become household names in the environmental, social and economic justice movements - from Rachel Carson, Ralph Nader and E.F. Schumacher to Vandana Shiva, Muhammad Yunus and Al Gore. Others, such as Aldo Leopold, Thomas Berry and Manfred Max-Neef, are relatively undiscovered gems, whose work should be much more widely known. The profiled books tackle our most vexing global challenges, including globalisation ("Globalization and Its Discontents", "No Logo"), climate change ("Heat", "The Economics of Climate Change") and poverty ("The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid", "Development as Freedom"). Some of these featured thought-leaders are highly critical of the status quo (e.g. David Korten, Eric Schlosser and Joel Bakan), while others suggest evolutionary ways forward (e.g. Amory Lovins, Hunter Lovins, Paul Hawken and Jonathon Porritt). Some place their faith in technological solutions (e.g. Janine Benyus, Ernst Ulrich von Weizsacker), while others are upbeat about the potential of business to be a force for good (e.g. John Elkington, Ricardo Semler, William McDonough and Michael Braungart). By featuring these and other seminal thinkers, "Signposts to Sustainability" distils a remarkable collective intelligence - one that provides devastating evidence of the problems we face as a global society, yet also inspiring examples of innovative solutions; it explores our deepest fears and our highest hopes for the future. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to tap into the wisdom of our age.
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In the context of a plethora of worsening social, environmental and ethical negative conditions often associated with economic growth and industrial activity, Integrated Value is proposed as a conceptual and practical framework for... more
In the context of a plethora of worsening social, environmental and ethical negative conditions often associated with economic growth and industrial activity, Integrated Value is proposed as a conceptual and practical framework for business to respond credibly and effectively as a force for innovation and solutions. In order to do so, the chapter begins by asking: how is value to society currently being destroyed by economic activities? Taking a systems science perspective, the answer is: whenever it causes fragmentation, or disintegration. This disintegration in society occurs in at least five principle ways, namely the five forces of fragmentation: disruption, disconnection, disparity, destruction and discontent. The next question is: how might this value destruction in society be countered or reversed? We find clues in innovations that are occurring in five emerging economic spheres: the resilience, exponential, access, circular and wellbeing economies. In each of these areas, there are breakthrough business models, practices, products and services that are building, rather than destroying, societal value. These are the five pathways to innovation, defined in terms of the desired future state they are trying to advance, which is a society that is more secure, smart, shared, sustainable and satisfying. Four strategic value-creation options are then described (singular, focused, diffuse and integrated value) before citing illustrative cases and describing the seven steps of a methodology to implement integrated value.
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Author's introduction Prologue: Roots and shoots. Early days (Zimbabwe) PART I: AFRICA 1. Divided and united: Investing in change (South Africa) 2. Holism and hope: Towards a SANE society (South Africa) 3. Governance and greed:... more
Author's introduction Prologue: Roots and shoots. Early days (Zimbabwe) PART I: AFRICA 1. Divided and united: Investing in change (South Africa) 2. Holism and hope: Towards a SANE society (South Africa) 3. Governance and greed: Accounting for impacts (South Africa) 4. Tears and flowers: Recreating a culture of ethics (Kenya) 5. Friends and foes: Oil on troubled waters (Nigeria) PART II: EUROPE 6. Directives and policies: Eurocrats take on CSR (Belgium) 7. Green and growing: Re-engineering growth (Germany, Austria) 8. Breakdown and breakthrough: Navigating the chaos (Hungary) 9. Partnerships and poverty: New governance for a new world (Switzerland) 10. Cycles and cradles: Faster, further and higher (The Netherlands) PART III: ASIA PACIFIC 11. Kaizen and kyosei: Driving a better future (Japan) 12. Yin and yang: Striving for harmony (China) 13. Too much sun: A slow starter (Australia) 14. Merlions and orang-utans: A new breed of entrepreneurs (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand) 15. Access and justice: Purpose out of chaos (India) PART IV: THE AMERICAS 16. Mythology and pathology: Unmasking the corporation (Canada) 17. Plantations and houses: The lessons of shared responsibility (Guatemala, Mexico) 18. Emergence and convergence: Birth of a new capitalism (United States) 19. Globalisation and innovation: Redefining growth and progress (United States) 20. Economics and evolution: Barefoot journeys towards abundance (Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador) PART IV: THE UNITED KINGDOM 21. Humans and ecology: From New Age to 'new' economics (United Kingdom) 22. Meaning and change: Making a difference (United Kingdom) 23. Research and reading: Landmarks for Sustainability (United Kingdom) 24. Pioneers and paradoxes: In search of sustainable business (United Kingdom) 25. Death and rebirth: From CSR 1.0 to CSR 2.0 (United Kingdom) Epilogue: Smart, shared and sustainable. The alchemical quest
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Trends are presented for the most serious global social, environmental and ethical challenges. The failure of CSR 1.0 approaches (the first four stages) to have any significant impact on these trends is explained in terms of three... more
Trends are presented for the most serious global social, environmental and ethical challenges. The failure of CSR 1.0 approaches (the first four stages) to have any significant impact on these trends is explained in terms of three factors, namely the incremental, peripheral and uneconomic nature of CSR 1.0 approaches.
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1 Trumpington Street Cambridge CB2 1QA United Kingdom T +44 (0)1223 342100 F +44 (0)1223 301122 www.cpi.cam.ac.uk ... Inspiring learning, leadership and change for sustainability ... Cross-Sector Partnership as an Approach to Inclusive... more
1 Trumpington Street Cambridge CB2 1QA United Kingdom T +44 (0)1223 342100 F +44 (0)1223 301122 www.cpi.cam.ac.uk ... Inspiring learning, leadership and change for sustainability ... Cross-Sector Partnership as an Approach to Inclusive Development
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... CROA) CORPORATE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR CORPORATE SOCIAL INVESTMENTCORPORATE SOCIAL OPPORTUNITY CORPORATE SOCIAL PERFORMANCE (CSP)CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIVENESS ...
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Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility (CSR) – incorporating corporate responsibility, sustainable development, business ethics, corporate citizenship, business & society and corporate governance – has become a widely taught subject in... more
Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility (CSR) – incorporating corporate responsibility, sustainable development, business ethics, corporate citizenship, business & society and corporate governance – has become a widely taught subject in business schools and practiced in companies around the world. Presented here is a comprehensive textbook that introduces students and practitioners to CSR theory and practice, looking at the past, present and future. The text begins with definitions and drivers of CSR, including the all-important " business case " , then traces the evolution of CSR over more than 100 years up to the present day. Next, CSR trends from around the world are examined, including regional and crosscountry comparisons. There is a chapter on the 7 steps to implementing CSR, followed by an exploration of CSR leadership and how CSR can be used as a catalyst for change. Finally, 25 case studies are introduced, before concluding on the future of CSR, including CSR 2....
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Since 2009, CSR International has been identifying and summarising the best research on corporate sustainability, social responsibility and business ethics and sharing it through monthly Research Digests. Now, for the first time, we are... more
Since 2009, CSR International has been identifying and summarising the best research on corporate sustainability, social responsibility and business ethics and sharing it through monthly Research Digests. Now, for the first time, we are bringing together all of the research summaries since 2009 into three thematic volumes: on Governance, Environment, and Society. This first volume on Governance profiles over 450 research publications between 2009 and 2014 – including practitioner reports, market surveys and academic papers – from over 300 authors and more 250 organisations. Specifically, it contains research abstracts on the following governance-related topic areas: • Accountability • Transparency • Ethical Behaviour • Responsible Investment • Stakeholder Interests • Fair Operating Practices We believe this Compendium will serve as an invaluable resource for academics, students, researchers and professionals around the world who share our interest and passion for social responsibili...
... Nine out of ten Africans are proud to be African (whereas less than four out of ten ... What makescorporate citizenship in Africa not only fascinating, but also of critical importance, is that the continent embodies many of the most... more
... Nine out of ten Africans are proud to be African (whereas less than four out of ten ... What makescorporate citizenship in Africa not only fascinating, but also of critical importance, is that the continent embodies many of the most vexing dilemmas that business faces in its ...
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The metaphor of 1.0 and 2.0 is explained as an appropriate analogy for the changes needed in CSR, drawing parallels with the evolution of Web 1.0 to Web 2.0. Key shifts described include the change from small scale, one-way-communication... more
The metaphor of 1.0 and 2.0 is explained as an appropriate analogy for the changes needed in CSR, drawing parallels with the evolution of Web 1.0 to Web 2.0. Key shifts described include the change from small scale, one-way-communication and standardised approaches to mass scale, interactive, user-generated solutions.
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The emergent CSR 2.0 practice is described in detail by elaborating on five principles underlying this new approach, including: creativity, scalability, responsiveness, glocality (global–local balance) and circularity (closed-loop... more
The emergent CSR 2.0 practice is described in detail by elaborating on five principles underlying this new approach, including: creativity, scalability, responsiveness, glocality (global–local balance) and circularity (closed-loop production). Each principle is explained conceptually, as well as illustrated with progressive case studies.
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The evolution of business responsibility is described in terms five overlapping ages—the ages of greed, philanthropy, marketing, management and responsibility. An ‘age’ can be understood as a prevailing culture or context. Each of these... more
The evolution of business responsibility is described in terms five overlapping ages—the ages of greed, philanthropy, marketing, management and responsibility. An ‘age’ can be understood as a prevailing culture or context. Each of these ages typically manifests a different stage of CSR, namely defensive, charitable, promotional, strategic and transformative CSR respectively.
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Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (ebrary, viewed November 14, 2013).
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This book is an anthology of writing on the search for new visions of business and work for a fairer and more sustainable future. It explores such diverse subjects as ethical investment, community economics, sustainable companies,... more
This book is an anthology of writing on the search for new visions of business and work for a fairer and more sustainable future. It explores such diverse subjects as ethical investment, community economics, sustainable companies, humanistic capitalism and meaningful work, as well as regional perspectives on corporate citizenship in Africa.
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Page 1. Greenleaf Publishing, Aizlewood's Mill, Nursery Street, Sheffield S3 8GG, UK Tel: +44 (0)114 282 3475 Fax: +44 (0)114 282 3476 info@greenleaf-publishing.com http:// www.greenleaf-publishing.com SUSTAINABILITY ... more
Page 1. Greenleaf Publishing, Aizlewood's Mill, Nursery Street, Sheffield S3 8GG, UK Tel: +44 (0)114 282 3475 Fax: +44 (0)114 282 3476 info@greenleaf-publishing.com http:// www.greenleaf-publishing.com SUSTAINABILITY RESPONSIBILITY ACCOUNTABILITY ...
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In 2052: A Global Forecast for the Next 40 Years (Chelsea Green, 2012), Jorgen Randers draws on his own experience in the sustainability area, global forecasting tools, and the predictions – included in the book as 'Glimpses' – of... more
In 2052: A Global Forecast for the Next 40 Years (Chelsea Green, 2012), Jorgen Randers draws on his own experience in the sustainability area, global forecasting tools, and the predictions – included in the book as 'Glimpses' – of more than thirty leading scientists, economists, futurists, and other thinkers to guide us through the future he feels is most likely to emerge towards the middle of the century. At a meeting of 25 of the 'Glimpse' authors in Cambridge in October 2013, each participant was invited to present a 'great idea' that they believed could improve on world developments over the next forty years. Following the meeting, the authors were invited to submit a brief summary of their 'Great Idea', for compilation. Disrupting the Future is the result of this process and is a remarkable collection of ideas and proposals by a diverse set of thought-leaders, each responding in their own creative way to Jorgen Randers' concluding challenge i...
Making a successful transition to a more sustainable future depends on letting go. Sustainable Frontiers shows how we must find ways to let go of an industrial system that has served us well, but is no longer fit for purpose. How we will... more
Making a successful transition to a more sustainable future depends on letting go. Sustainable Frontiers shows how we must find ways to let go of an industrial system that has served us well, but is no longer fit for purpose. How we will need to let go of old styles of leadership and out-dated models of business, high-impact lifestyles and selfish values. How we must learn to let go of cherished ideologies that are causing destruction and beliefs about ways to tackle problems that are failing to resolve crises.
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Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility (CSR) – incorporating corporate responsibility, sustainable development, business ethics, corporate citizenship, business & society and corporate governance – has become a widely taught subject in... more
Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility (CSR) – incorporating corporate responsibility, sustainable development, business ethics, corporate citizenship, business & society and corporate governance – has become a widely taught subject in business schools and practiced in companies around the world. Presented here is a comprehensive textbook that introduces students and practitioners to CSR theory and practice, looking at the past, present and future.
The text begins with definitions and drivers of CSR, including the all-important “business case”, then traces the evolution of CSR over more than 100 years up to the present day. Next, CSR trends from around the world are examined, including regional and cross-country comparisons. There is a chapter on the 7 steps to implementing CSR, followed by an exploration of CSR leadership and how CSR can be used as a catalyst for change. Finally, 25 case studies are introduced, before concluding on the future of CSR, including CSR 2.0, scenarios and forecasts for the next 10 years.
Throughout the text, there are over 60 sets of discussion questions (nearly 200 questions), which allow teachers, students and practitioners to reflect on the presented content and to discuss, debate and dig deeper into the issues. The text itself is written in a highly readable style, without sacrificing academic rigour (there are over 200 references cited). The result is an inexpensive, accessible and searchable introduction to a management discipline that has become critical to the future of business, written by one of the world’s leading authorities on the subject.
The text begins with definitions and drivers of CSR, including the all-important “business case”, then traces the evolution of CSR over more than 100 years up to the present day. Next, CSR trends from around the world are examined, including regional and cross-country comparisons. There is a chapter on the 7 steps to implementing CSR, followed by an exploration of CSR leadership and how CSR can be used as a catalyst for change. Finally, 25 case studies are introduced, before concluding on the future of CSR, including CSR 2.0, scenarios and forecasts for the next 10 years.
Throughout the text, there are over 60 sets of discussion questions (nearly 200 questions), which allow teachers, students and practitioners to reflect on the presented content and to discuss, debate and dig deeper into the issues. The text itself is written in a highly readable style, without sacrificing academic rigour (there are over 200 references cited). The result is an inexpensive, accessible and searchable introduction to a management discipline that has become critical to the future of business, written by one of the world’s leading authorities on the subject.
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In January 2010, author, academic and social entrepreneur Dr Wayne Visser set off on a nine-month, 20-country “quest” to talk to entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovators and learn about how companies in all parts of the world can... more
In January 2010, author, academic and social entrepreneur Dr Wayne Visser set off on a nine-month, 20-country “quest” to talk to entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovators and learn about how companies in all parts of the world can and are helping to tackle the world’s most pressing social and environmental problems. His aim was to explore the many varieties of global approaches to sustainable business practices first-hand and to share some of the most innovative global examples.
The result is this treasure trove of a book, full of stories, ideas, links to more than 100 video interviews, best practices and tools for making sustainable business work in a myriad of different contexts, cultures and settings. Besides sharing insights from his 2010 “CSR Quest World Tour”, the author captures his professional experiences and the evolution of sustainable business over the past 20 years.
The path begins in Africa and winds its way through Asia, North America, Europe, Australasia and Latin America. The author shares what he has learned in encounters with mega-corporations and small farmers, and conversations with CEOs and social entrepreneurs. There are facts and figures about world trends, and interviews with thought leaders and activists. This is a tale that consciously weaves the personal and the professional, mixing anecdotes and case studies. It looks outwards and reflects inwards, and is both autobiography and the life story of a global movement.
The result is this treasure trove of a book, full of stories, ideas, links to more than 100 video interviews, best practices and tools for making sustainable business work in a myriad of different contexts, cultures and settings. Besides sharing insights from his 2010 “CSR Quest World Tour”, the author captures his professional experiences and the evolution of sustainable business over the past 20 years.
The path begins in Africa and winds its way through Asia, North America, Europe, Australasia and Latin America. The author shares what he has learned in encounters with mega-corporations and small farmers, and conversations with CEOs and social entrepreneurs. There are facts and figures about world trends, and interviews with thought leaders and activists. This is a tale that consciously weaves the personal and the professional, mixing anecdotes and case studies. It looks outwards and reflects inwards, and is both autobiography and the life story of a global movement.
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Business is doing more than ever before to tackle issues like climate change, poverty, human rights and corruption. So why are things are getting worse, not better? Why are environmental and social trends still headed in the wrong... more
Business is doing more than ever before to tackle issues like climate change, poverty, human rights and corruption. So why are things are getting worse, not better? Why are environmental and social trends still headed in the wrong direction?
Wayne Visser argues that traditional approaches have failed, leaving business stuck in the Ages of Greed, Philanthropy, Marketing and Management. Using Web 2.0 as a metaphor, he shows how business needs to radically transform if we are to ever reach a true Age of Responsibility. The required systemic approach is dubbed CSR 2.0 and characterised by five key principles: creativity, scalability, responsiveness, glocality and circularity.
Citing more than 300 cases to illustrate ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’ of corporate sustainability and responsibility, the book describes how the new DNA of business is fast being decoded in the areas of value creation, good governance, societal contribution and environmental integrity. Having set out a compelling vision of the future, The Age of Responsibility describes how to get there by exploring change at the societal, organisational and individual level.
Readers are left not only informed, but also inspired to make a difference. This book is the most challenging and exciting account of the future of business that you’re likely to read all year.
Wayne Visser argues that traditional approaches have failed, leaving business stuck in the Ages of Greed, Philanthropy, Marketing and Management. Using Web 2.0 as a metaphor, he shows how business needs to radically transform if we are to ever reach a true Age of Responsibility. The required systemic approach is dubbed CSR 2.0 and characterised by five key principles: creativity, scalability, responsiveness, glocality and circularity.
Citing more than 300 cases to illustrate ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’ of corporate sustainability and responsibility, the book describes how the new DNA of business is fast being decoded in the areas of value creation, good governance, societal contribution and environmental integrity. Having set out a compelling vision of the future, The Age of Responsibility describes how to get there by exploring change at the societal, organisational and individual level.
Readers are left not only informed, but also inspired to make a difference. This book is the most challenging and exciting account of the future of business that you’re likely to read all year.
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The World Guide to CSR is the first book to provide comparable national profiles that describe the evolution and practice of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (CSR) for more than 60 countries. Each regional and national profile... more
The World Guide to CSR is the first book to provide comparable national profiles that describe the evolution and practice of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (CSR) for more than 60 countries. Each regional and national profile includes key information about the relevant CSR history, country-specific issues, trends, research and leading organisations. The book is an edited volume, with expert contributors from around the world, all of whom have been screened and selected on the basis of their qualifications and experience in CSR. Each regional/country profile includes the following subsections: CSR in context, Priority issues, Trends, Legislation and codes, Organisations, Case studies, Educational institutions, and References.
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This unique title draws together in one volume some of the best thinking to date on the pressing social and environmental challenges we face as a society. In addition to profiles of all 50 titles, many of the authors share their most... more
This unique title draws together in one volume some of the best thinking to date on the pressing social and environmental challenges we face as a society. In addition to profiles of all 50 titles, many of the authors share their most recent reflections on the state of the world and the ongoing attempts by business, government and civil society to create a more sustainable future.
By featuring these and other seminal thinkers, the book distils a remarkable collective intelligence — one that provides devastating evidence of the problems we face as a global society, yet also inspiring examples of innovative solutions; it explores our deepest fears and our highest hopes for the future. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to tap into the wisdom of our age.
By featuring these and other seminal thinkers, the book distils a remarkable collective intelligence — one that provides devastating evidence of the problems we face as a global society, yet also inspiring examples of innovative solutions; it explores our deepest fears and our highest hopes for the future. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to tap into the wisdom of our age.
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With over 100 expert contributors writing over 400 entries, this book provides a jargon-busting, easy-to-use guide to the plethora of CSR concepts, codes and organisations, including core terms like business ethics, CSR, corporate... more
With over 100 expert contributors writing over 400 entries, this book provides a jargon-busting, easy-to-use guide to the plethora of CSR concepts, codes and organisations, including core terms like business ethics, CSR, corporate governance and corporate sustainability, key terms like climate change, corruption, environmental management, globalisation and human rights and definitions for concepts like social entrepreneurship and standards like ISO 14001 and the UN Global Compact.
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In the face of unprecedented global challenges like poverty and climate change, can individuals make a difference? This book reveals what motivates people to devote their time and energies to addressing social, environmental and... more
In the face of unprecedented global challenges like poverty and climate change, can individuals make a difference?
This book reveals what motivates people to devote their time and energies to addressing social, environmental and ethical issues. Based on in-depth research among corporate sustainability and responsibility (CSR) professionals, it shows the pivotal role of values, inspiration, expertise, empowerment, strategic thinking and social contribution among “purpose-inspired leaders”.
Using extensive illustrative quotations, different types of CSR change agents are identified, including experts, facilitators, catalysts and activists. The implications for business of better understanding these CSR leaders is explored, as well as the opportunities for future academic research. The book concludes with a call to personal action by making a positive difference and leaving a meaningful legacy.
This book reveals what motivates people to devote their time and energies to addressing social, environmental and ethical issues. Based on in-depth research among corporate sustainability and responsibility (CSR) professionals, it shows the pivotal role of values, inspiration, expertise, empowerment, strategic thinking and social contribution among “purpose-inspired leaders”.
Using extensive illustrative quotations, different types of CSR change agents are identified, including experts, facilitators, catalysts and activists. The implications for business of better understanding these CSR leaders is explored, as well as the opportunities for future academic research. The book concludes with a call to personal action by making a positive difference and leaving a meaningful legacy.
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This book is an anthology of writing on the search for new visions of business and work for a fairer and more sustainable future. It explores such diverse subjects as ethical investment, community economics, sustainable companies,... more
This book is an anthology of writing on the search for new visions of business and work for a fairer and more sustainable future. It explores such diverse subjects as ethical investment, community economics, sustainable companies, humanistic capitalism and meaningful work, as well as regional perspectives on corporate citizenship in Africa.
Research Interests:
This book is a contribution to the evolving academic voice on corporate citizenship in Africa. The chapters have been broadly grouped by theme, beginning with the Introduction and Overview, followed by sections on Leadership & Governance,... more
This book is a contribution to the evolving academic voice on corporate citizenship in Africa. The chapters have been broadly grouped by theme, beginning with the Introduction and Overview, followed by sections on Leadership & Governance, Community & Environment, Health & HIV/Aids, Industries & Sectors, Supply Chain & SMEs, and finally, Globalisation and Conclusions. This book is directed to Africans and others, living both on the continent and abroad, who share an interest and a passion for Africa and want to play a role in helping to tackle its challenges and embrace its opportunities.
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“Greed is good”. Remember the phrase immortalised by Michael Douglas who played Gordon Gekko in the 1987 movie Wall Street? Well, the world has more than lived up to these words by pursuing the principle that excessive greed is even... more
“Greed is good”. Remember the phrase immortalised by Michael Douglas who played Gordon Gekko in the 1987 movie Wall Street? Well, the world has more than lived up to these words by pursuing the principle that excessive greed is even better.
In an analysis of the principles driving modern business, Wayne Visser and Clem Sunter demonstrate that the predatory behaviour of the lion is symbolic of the way most companies are run today. But the world cannot go on like this. They argue strongly for an alternative and more positive vision involving sustainable business in both a social and an environmental sense. In order to achieve this, companies will need to change – as they call it ‘shape-shift’ – from the tooth-and-claw logic of lions to the more caring, holistic philosophy of the elephant.
The authors offer two scenarios for the medium to long term: Oases in the Desert where the corporate lions continue to rule, but their kingdoms are increasingly restricted by their own destructive behaviour and popular discontent; and Plains of the Serengeti where companies shapeshift into elephants which strive for a proper balance between cooperation and competition and a continuing diversity of species, large and small, strong and weak. The conclusion of the book is that multilevel shapeshifting is required for sustainability.
Apart from corporate transformation, it is up to governments on the one hand and each and every one of us as individuals on the other to adopt the persona of an elephant in order to pass on a worthwhile heritage to our children. Keep your trunks crossed!
In an analysis of the principles driving modern business, Wayne Visser and Clem Sunter demonstrate that the predatory behaviour of the lion is symbolic of the way most companies are run today. But the world cannot go on like this. They argue strongly for an alternative and more positive vision involving sustainable business in both a social and an environmental sense. In order to achieve this, companies will need to change – as they call it ‘shape-shift’ – from the tooth-and-claw logic of lions to the more caring, holistic philosophy of the elephant.
The authors offer two scenarios for the medium to long term: Oases in the Desert where the corporate lions continue to rule, but their kingdoms are increasingly restricted by their own destructive behaviour and popular discontent; and Plains of the Serengeti where companies shapeshift into elephants which strive for a proper balance between cooperation and competition and a continuing diversity of species, large and small, strong and weak. The conclusion of the book is that multilevel shapeshifting is required for sustainability.
Apart from corporate transformation, it is up to governments on the one hand and each and every one of us as individuals on the other to adopt the persona of an elephant in order to pass on a worthwhile heritage to our children. Keep your trunks crossed!