A Better World, Inc. Book Summary - A Better World, Inc. Book explained in key points

A Better World, Inc. summary

Name: A Better World, Inc.
Rating: 4.2 (10 reviews)
Author: Alice Korngold

Alice Korngold

How Companies Profit by Solving Global Problems...Where Governments Cannot

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What is A Better World, Inc. about?

Many of us are quick to assume that big corporations are the enemies of the environment. A Better World, Inc. explains how the opposite is true: companies are in a better position to solve some of the world’s biggest problems than many governments and campaign groups. This book outlines why, and lists the steps companies can take to improve our planet, while raising their profits at the same time.

About the Author

Alice Korngold is the president and CEO of Korngold Consulting, LLC. She advises global corporations on working with nonprofit organizations and raising profits by helping the world. She’s written many other successful books, including Leveraging Good Will: Strengthening Nonprofits by Engaging Businesses.

Table of Contents

Key idea 1 of 8

Governments and NGOs both fail to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

When you imagine organizations that may be able to solve the world’s thorniest, most complex problems, you probably think of NGOs. But NGOs have serious drawbacks.

They tend to lack sufficient resources, for a start. They’re usually short of money, and don’t have staff with the necessary skills in finance, social media or fundraising. They also often rely on volunteers who may be motivated, but not necessarily qualified.

The international NGO mothers2mothers, for example, was quite effective at first, but struggled as it continued to grow. They succeeded in the end, but only through the help of the global corporation Pfizer, which provided funds, human resources and technology.

Governments also often fail to solve serious problems because they have conflicts of interest. Just think of all the numerous international conferences that have failed to produce serious, game-changing agreements. The 2012 Rio +20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, for instance, only resulted in a non-binding agreement.

There’s often tension when nations come together like this, as governments have to weigh their own country’s interests against those of the rest of the group. Why should China agree to enforce higher environmental standards when its economy relies on industry and manufacturing?

Governments also usually don’t set long-term goals, because they have short-term mandates. Politicians are mostly just interested in getting re-elected, after all. So they work to satisfy the immediate needs of the voting public instead of concentrating on lasting projects.

When unemployment is high, the public probably won’t be happy if the government invests in long-term scientific research or healthcare. They’ll want the government to invest in something that will give them a job right now!

Global companies are perfect for finding solutions for social, environmental and economic problems.

You might think that international corporations only destroy the environment, and don’t care about social problems. This is changing. Now, global companies are actually best positioned to find real solutions to environmental problems.

Corporations have a lot of influence in the world. They affect many people’s lives, and they have tremendous financial power that can be reinvested in creating sustainable products and policies.

Big corporations want economies and health care systems in developing countries to grow – and they can help.

Corporations don’t just have an incentive to help the environment – they also have an interest in making sure people are healthy. Smart companies know they’ll benefit in the long run if local economies around the world are strong.

A stable economy requires a healthy population and an effective health care system. In fact, a study by the World Health Organization found that in low-income countries, only 17 percent of the population lives for more than 70 years, while in high-income countries the value is 71 percent. Countries with a lower life expectancy have lower average incomes and more unstable economies.

Companies can increase their profits by helping the environment.

Ultimately, companies are driven by their own interests. This is why they focus on maximizing profits. But what if there’s a way to increase profits and protect the environment?

Companies save money when they increase their productivity, which they can do by reducing their consumption of energy and resources. They benefit financially when they become more environmentally friendly.

Climate change and poverty threaten corporations, international security and the global economy.

People in wealthy, Western nations often assume they aren’t affected by global crises. Obviously, they’re very mistaken. Global warming will hurt everyone, including rich people in New York or Beverly Hills.

Climate change also threatens the profits – and even the very existence – of major companies. It damages them and their customers alike.

A company needs a sustainability committee to implement, monitor and report on its strategy.

So what are the first steps your company should take toward implementing sustainable practices?

First of all, you need a sustainability committee. The sustainability committee should be associated with the company’s board of directors, or another governing board within the organization.

Companies should engage with their stakeholders when developing and implementing sustainability practices.

Another way you can help your company reach its sustainability goals is to engage with your stakeholders. Working with more people will only benefit the company, and increase your chances of achieving what you want.

Companies benefit from incorporating their stakeholders’ input – whether they’re customers, employees, investors or even the community around the company.

Companies should collaborate with NGOs and other businesses when working toward their environmental goals.

As we’ve seen, NGOs aren’t always the best at improving the world. This doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be involved in the process at all, however! Companies stand to gain a lot by working with NGOs to reach their common goals. Businesses and NGOs can often accomplish much more together than they could on their own.

NGOs have a lot to offer businesses. They can provide expertise and networking opportunities, and increase your company’s credibility in the eyes of your customers, employees or investors. They also have their own proven approaches for solving important social, environmental and economic problems. These skills are vital for any company that’s trying to get involved in these issues.

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Who should read A Better World, Inc.

Anyone interested in climate change and green issues
Anyone intrigued by Corporate Social Responsibility
Anyone who wants to know how business can raise profits while improving the world

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A Better World, Inc. summary

Listen to the first key idea

What is A Better World, Inc. about?

About the Author

Governments and NGOs both fail to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

Global companies are perfect for finding solutions for social, environmental and economic problems.

Big corporations want economies and health care systems in developing countries to grow – and they can help.

Companies can increase their profits by helping the environment.

Climate change and poverty threaten corporations, international security and the global economy.

A company needs a sustainability committee to implement, monitor and report on its strategy.

Companies should engage with their stakeholders when developing and implementing sustainability practices.

Companies should collaborate with NGOs and other businesses when working toward their environmental goals.

Key ideas in A Better World, Inc.

Governments and NGOs both fail to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

Global companies are perfect for finding solutions for social, environmental and economic problems.

Big corporations want economies and health care systems in developing countries to grow – and they can help.

Companies can increase their profits by helping the environment.

Climate change and poverty threaten corporations, international security and the global economy.

A company needs a sustainability committee to implement, monitor and report on its strategy.

Companies should engage with their stakeholders when developing and implementing sustainability practices.

Companies should collaborate with NGOs and other businesses when working toward their environmental goals.

Who should read A Better World, Inc.

Categories with A Better World, Inc.

Books like A Better World, Inc.

What our members say

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