Capitalism at the crossroads Book

Sometimes, I miss optimism. The daily headlines about poverty, warfare, disease and economics seem overwhelmingly bleak. At times like this, it is good to have a book like "Capitalism at the Crossroads" near at hand.

This is another volume that was recommended to me as a "top business book." It is a book written for a popular or lay audience by a business academic. As such, it is at times a touch dry and pedantic. But the content far outweighs those mild downsides. Dr. Stuart Hart is one of the foremost thinkers in the world about the concept of sustainability in business. His ideas about sustainability goes far beyond the simplistic notions of using less fossil fuels.

In fact, in this book, Hart encourages business leaders to get beyond greening and accept creative destruction in the marketplace as a modus operandi for moving to the next stage of opportunities. Leapfrog technologies and business ideas that began at the margins of society will disrupt current models and be the next wave of global capitalism - and Hart believes that this is not only inevitable but necessary. Four billion people are not a part of what Hart calls "the money economy" and unless we find ways to integrate these people, living in "the traditional economy" while respecting the "natural economy" we will lose everything we have gained.

But this is not a negative book! Hart believes that business can and will step up to the challenge. Those who do not will miss out on excellent opportunities to do well while doing the right thing. Hart challenges businesspeople, especially those in larger multi-national corporations (MNC's), to find ways to engage with minority stakeholders, especially those four billion at the base of the economic period. From unusual partnerships will come opportunity. This book even discusses some successes and failures from current MNC's, providing examples of what can be done with innovative thinking, courage and yes, optimism.

Recommended for those who want a taste of what business could be in the 21st century.