Customer Reviews

The Business of Changing the World: Twenty Great Leaders on Strategic Corporate Philanthropy

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4 star:		(1)
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This book has totally inspired both me and my sister. My sister started her own business last year, and she has been trying to think of an effective way to give back to the community. Until reading Benioff's book, I thought one would have to wait until the company was more financially secure. But, his "one percent model," which states that 1% of time, equity and product can be directed towards philanthropy, is a terrific - and manageable - way for her small shop to become an instrument of change. She is putting this plan into effect ASAP. Not everyone can be Bill Gates, but we can certainly play a part!

Business as usual will be the undoing of capitalism. This book should be mandatory reading for all executive officers and shareholders. The thoughts illuminated in Marc Benioff's book provide a blueprint for corporate citizenry and social responsibility.

It is inspiring to see that so many CEOs are focused on more than just the bottom line. Many REALLY DO give back to their communities (outside of PR photo opps with a big check!). Doesn't matter if you work at a small boutique or multi-national business, I think this book will give you insight into what works - and what doesn't - when it comes to corporate philanthropy. It's like sitting down to dinner with 20 CEOs and picking their brain. Each chapter is essentially a case study. A quick easy, feel-good read that actually might do this world some good.

I like this book. This is a collection of stories about how the founders and leaders of the well-known organizations embrace an important part of doing business. It brings about a helpful correction to many lopsided thinking about business being profit-making mostly. In our tough economic environment, people talk about cost cuts, layoffs, producing cheaper products, and squeezing other people's profits so as to fatten ours, we need to be reminded that we live in an INTERDEPENDENT environment. Society does not exist merely to feed narcissistic desires. This book brings back a more optimistic look about what businesses can do for society at large, apart from making profits and product for people.

There are 20 affirmations on the need to live as responsible businesses, starting with the leadership. It is essentially a book about responsible stewardship and strategic leadership. Business is not about survival or success. Companies that work only on this 2 aspects of businesses are not ready for the long haul. Those who can see beyond these two will learn to add significance into the equation.

All in all, this book is very businesslike in nature, in the sense that it aims for a win-win scenario. Customers win, when they know that the money that is paid for the product or services they use, will also benefit communities in some way. Reading the stories can also give the reader a sense of suspicion that the people are using philanthropy as another means to expand their business empire. In the light of a win-win understanding, let's give these businesses the benefit of the doubt. Kudos to the authors for providing a more wholesome view of the potential of businesses.

Good book to buy and keep as reference.

conrade

Sometimes you really need to hear another perspective to help clarify your own view of the world. This text, with its myriad of viewpoints, gave me a boost of energy as I set out to analyze my organization.

Job well done.

In a world riddled with corporate scandals and corruption, this book provides a completely refreshing point of view. It is expertly written and provides invaluable insight. Fantastic!

Having spent the last 2 years researching the CSR arena, it is a miracle to find a collection of such provocative, inspiring and well-told stories of the world's biggest corporations' commitment to the community. Each chapter pulls back the curtain on the real story of CSR in a different Fortune 500 company, focusing not only on the benefit to the community, but importantly, on the benefit to the company as well. I have yet to find a resource as valuable on the subject of CSR. It is a must-read for anyone working in a corporation - big or small.

I was so impressed with this book! It is for all types of people - from students to successful business executives.