Merchants of Vision [Hardcover]

James E Liebig (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1994

Can good business also further the common good? To answer this question, James Liebig interviewed dozens of business women and men in 70 organizations from 14 countries. Working with the World Business Academy - an international network of progressive business leaders committed to using their business expertise to make a positive difference in the world - Liebig found executives, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and consultants who are "walking their talk" by integrating their ideals in the world of commerce. Recognizing business's pervasive global influence, these business people have found ways to use that influence to affect positive change in people's lives and meaningful growth in their businesses. In Merchants of Vision they share their beliefs, experiences, and creative actions. Representing a variety of business enterprises in the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, the innovators profiled are people of action and integrity who sustain themselves with the creative friction between their idealism and their knowledge of the real world. "Though they have personally enjoyed the challenges of business and been successful by traditional standards, " writes Liebig, "they recognize that the business system has often not adequately served nor rewarded others. They know as well that the natural world is suffering under the strains of resource depletion and environmental damage. These leaders have acknowledged that changes in the agendas of business are inevitable and necessary." The experiences of these pioneers - addressing issues of personal responsibility and product quality, expanding markets and shrinking natural resources, technological advancement and cultural preservation - revealways businesses must adapt to survive, thrive, innovate, and lead.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Liebig ( Business Ethics: Profiles in Civic Virtue , LJ 4/1/90) here profiles the ideas and beliefs of over 30 business men and women from around the world. They are all "conscious of the fact that business, the world's most pervasive and influential institution today, with its increasing opportunities also bears increasing responsibility for the future of life on this planet." The profiles are organized around six themes: enhancing social equity, protecting the environment, enabling human creativity, serving higher purposes, behaving ethically, and transforming personally. Although the profiles are brief (three to four pages), it is possible to get a strong sense of who these people are; listings with addresses and telephone numbers enable readers to contact them. A worthwhile addition to popular business collections.
- Mark McCullough, Heterick Lib., Ohio Northern Univ., Ada
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

From thoughts on corporate ethics and the environment to the new social frontiers of business, Liebig profiles the ideas of almost 40 international business leaders. Recognizing that business has become the most influential institution in today's society, he discusses what such diverse leaders as Austin Hess of Pennsylvania's Diamond Spring Water Company and Hess Machine Company and Oystein Skalleerg, the managing director of a Swedish cable and wire handling company, have envisioned as solutions to current and future business and societal dilemmas. Liebig organized the book around the issues discussed, but all profiles probe beyond just the topic at hand. Discussion summaries wrap up each section. This should be of interest and maybe inspiration to those in today's business world. Caroline Andrew

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 242 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers; 1st edition (January 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1881052427
• ISBN-13: 978-1881052425
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,986,686 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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