In the introduction of conscious capitalism, John Mackey gives us a brief history on how he established Safer Way which is now known as Whole Foods Market with no prior business education background. His intention was to create a business that was ethical and purpose driven. His insight on free enterprise capitalism is much focused throughout the introduction and first chapter, its importance and how it has changed the world. I agree with the findings because, it free enterprise capitalism has led to innovations and social cooperation that any other system. It has freed millions of individuals from extreme poverty and enabled businesses to open up around the world that have contributed to the welfare of humanity.
Raj Sisodia, the co-author of the book together with Mackey, have pursued to change the way business is thought about, taught and practiced through their movement. This is both noble and I believe it’s our human responsibility to find solutions to the world and innovations that can take us to the next phase of how business is done.
Capitalism has been misunderstood and has been tagged with bad titles such as crony capitalism, profit maximization for investors as top priority and unethical business activities as inferred by products from its activity. Crony capitalism is one of the most tagged names of big corporations because they have the financial resources to corrupt and bribe the government and inturn use this power for their own enrichment.
Although the above examples are true and real, conscious capitalism is able to resolve this issue by ensuring that businesses not only focus on profit maximization but in creating value for all its stakeholders. Examples of how it does this, is by strongly opposing greed, exploitation, manipulation and by building environments based on trust and love that positively transform the world.
Business are good because they create value, they are ethical because they are based on voluntary exchange.