This book is a roadmap to help organizations adopt corporate responsibility and sustainability practices and be fit for purpose in a digital era. It explains why corporate responsibility is the only option in the twenty-first-century post-COVID-19 world, and guides readers through the process of transforming their organizations with continued reference to the importance of technology.
This is not a technical manual, and it is not an academic textbook: it is designed to be a quick, easily digested read. The first part looks at the current landscape – both of business and of the world in which it operates. The second part explains why corporate responsibility is the only realistic option for business in the twenty-first-century, post-COVID, and who needs to take responsibility for it. The third part is a step-by-step guide to putting principles into practice, covering: values, stakeholder engagement, employees, supply chain, environment, community, customers and marketing, and reporting and transparency. Each chapter is linked to relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals and supported by dozens of real-world examples.
By the end of the book, business leaders will have understood the scope of the challenge involved in leading a truly socially and environmentally responsible organization, and, crucially, will have understood why such a course of action is not only desirable but essential. And they will also have been inspired by a sense of purpose. The book offers direct access to the processes, insights, and techniques for installing corporate responsibility throughout organizations large and small, based on the author’s many years’ experience working in government and with successful large corporations. It is up-to-date and relevant, addressing the implications of COVID-19 and the modern technological “Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
1. Introduction
PART 1: THE GOOD PLANET: THE CHANGING WORLD and the CHANGING BUSINESS WORLD
2. COVID-19
3. The planet: climate
4. Sustainability and technology in practice
5. The planet: our environment
6. The new economy systems
7. Finance and investment
PART 2: THE GOOD CHALLENGE: FUTURE-PROOFING
8. The wake-up call
9. Whose responsibility is it?
10. What does it involve?
PART 3: THE GOOD PROCESS: STEP BY STEP
11. Define your values
12. Start a dialogue
13. Look after your people
14. Be responsible for your supply chain
15. Be responsible for your environment
16. Plant roots in your community
17. Revolutionize your marketing and service
18. Be transparent
Afterword: take the lead
About Good Vision
Index
Biography
Ivri Verbin is founder and CEO of Good Vision and a member of Grant Thornton’s international corporate responsibility team. A former advisor to Nobel Peace Prize winner Shimon Peres, Verbin is a pioneer in the field of corporate responsibility.
"An informative and valuable book for all those interested in translating sustainability into effective business practice." - Sir Ronald Cohen, Co founder Apax Partners, and Chairman of the British Venture Capital Association
"At Waze we believe that we must act as one community and take responsibility for our actions. By reading this book one can better understand the technological challenges and opportunities in promoting sustainability. This is critical information for decision-makers, allowing us to make better informed decisions and be more responsible in our actions." - Samuel Keret, Director, Waze Carpool
"Ivri is one of the most important voices on sustainability and corporate responsibility in our global organisation. As I would have anticipated, Ivri’s book has made complex issues accessible, while demonstrating his passion and authentic desire for change." - Paul English, Global Leadership Team, Grant Thornton
"Time and again we are reminded that "we cannot control the direction of the wind, but can only adjust the sails". Sustainability and Corporate responsibility are ultimately about doing the right thing, and for CEOs like myself that means that we must be innovative, leveraging new technologies and processes to deliver value, while living up to that standard. Ivri Verbin delivers an optimistic view that this vision is not only viable and essential, but also possible." - Raviv Zoller, President & CEO of ICL, a leading global fertilizer and specialty chemicals company
"In this short, readable book, Ivri Verbin offers easy-to-follow and practical advice for any organisation to change their relationship with and impact on the world. From mindset and policy to clear actions, he covers every aspect of this complex topic simply and gives great examples of how others have succeeded." - Peter Bodin, Global CEO, Grant Thornton International Limited
"The world is at a crossroads - on our climate, inequality, global health. It really could go either way. Those companies and leaders that practice Ivri’s well thought out & evidenced approach to business will help the world to beat these crises, not be the driver of them. If you have the vision to believe, read this book." - Giles Gibbons, Founder, Good Business
"Ivri Verbin's publication is very timely. His point of view, based on his extensive experience working with Israeli corporations as well as governmental agencies, is of great significance in learning of the role that Israel is playing in this field. A role that will no doubt continue to expand as the Start-up Nation seeks ways to become a Social Innovation Nation." - Momo Mahadav, CEO, Maala – Business for Social Responsibility in Israel
"This book combines a very sound theory with a practical guide for the successful corporation of our times, one that acknowledges the broad social and environmental role of businesses have to play. The deep knowledge and experience of the writer combined with his social sensitivity provides us with a great read, and a particularly useful and necessary compass in navigating the complex waters of the corporate world in this digital era. A stellar and truly needed book." - Ambassador Konstantinos Bikas
"Ivri’s book emphasizes and demonstrates to the investment community that financial success can and should help companies achieve a positive impact. In the time of the new economy and digital era, creating a positive impact is crucial for companies to reach financial success. Therefore, I think it is important for any manager or entrepreneur to read this book." - Hemmy Peres, President of Pitango Venture Capital
"I could not agree more with Ivri's words and, therefore, think that any manager in the present or the future that is passionate about yielding a profit for its shareholders must read his book. Moving forward, all managers must take this message to heart and remember that shareholder profit is consistent with corporate responsibility." - Amos Shapira, former President of Elal Airline
