Companies With a Conscience: Intimate Portraits of Twelve Firms That Make a Difference [Paperback]

Mary Scott (Author), Howard Rothman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1992

In-depth portraits of twelve American companies with a social conscience feature information about Alfalfa, Inc., a chain of natural food stores, and Esprit, which allows employees to volunteer for charities on company time.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In an attempt to describe and promote the movement toward "caring capitalism," which incorporates commitments to employees, customers, and the community with bottom-line profitability, the authors profile 12 successful enterprises, including Esprit and Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc. Each portrait is based on interviews with each company's founder(s) and includes their visions, principles, and some examples of practical applications. While not particularly well written, these profiles are generally heartwarming and interesting in terms of the philosophies of the various corporations. More detailed information as well as more specific analysis would have been helpful. Still, the final chapter, "Lessons of Conscientious Leadership," does reflect on some broader considerations. Recommended for larger business collections.
- Elizabeth McKenty, Foundation Ctr., New York
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Companies With A Conscience should be read by every CEO (and concerned citizen) in this country." -- Peter Mathiessen, Pulitzer Prize-winning author

"Companies With A Conscience" is a book that's right for our times." -- Barry R. Weingast, Senior Fellow, Hoover Institute

"If you want to turn your business into a socially responsible one, it's just what you're looking for." -- The Wall Street Journal --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Birch Lane Pr; 1St Edition edition (November 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559721448
• ISBN-13: 978-1559721448
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,611,188 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What an inspiration!, July 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Companies With a Conscience: Intimate Portraits of Twelve Firms That Make a Difference (Paperback)

I just read this book for a course I'm taking, and while it is a little outdated it is the best look at "socially responsible" business people that I have been able to find. I would like to find out what these companies are up to today and hope the authors have an update in mind.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and Perceptive, February 11, 2004

By 

Simon Burke (Missouri) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Companies with a Conscience: Intimate Portraits of Twelve Firms That Make a DIfference, Third Edition (Paperback)

Finally! An entertaining and perceptive book about socially responsible companies that clearly shows how some of the best in the business are combining ethics and profitability over the long haul. The chapters on Ben & Jerry's, Patagonia and Celestial Seasonings reveal insight that I have not seen elsewhere - largely because of the insider's perspective that the authors gained from studying these firms so closely for over 10 years. But the chapters on lesser-known enterprises like ShoreBank, Sunrise Medical and America Works may be the real gems, detailing the various ways they are really improving their customers' lives while functioning successfully under the constraints of a for-profit world. (Of course, as a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, I am obviously partial to the chapter that describes how community minded the team is!) This is truly a great read, and will definitely prove valuable to anyone who would like to imbue their business with the kind of values that are all too rare today.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just What I Needed, January 14, 2004

By 

Peter J. (Los Angeles CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Companies with a Conscience: Intimate Portraits of Twelve Firms That Make a DIfference, Third Edition (Paperback)

A terrific little book that's inspiring and entertaining for both employers and employees. I'm glad to know it's ending up on the required reading lists of so many business schools. As someone who runs a fairly large company, I found the chapter on "The 13 Lessons of Conscientious Leadership" a great addition to my "managerial toolbox ".