With the popularization of Simon Sinek's "Start with Why", the purpose-driven life and organization seem to have ingrained themselves into business conversations. But how, precisely, do you do that...and still make money?
Robert E. Quinn and Anjan V. Thakor, in their book, "The Economics of Higher Purpose: Eight Counterintuitive Steps for Creating a Purpose-Driven Organization" explain why purpose-driven organizations have failed to gain traction and the evidence that they can and do make money as well (if not more!).
One author is a management professor and the other is a finance professor, so I got a crash course on business economics and of a higher purpose:
- The foundation of business economics starts with a "conventional mindset" where "principals (bosses) and agents (employees) engage in conventional relationships of transactional exchange: for this amount of money, we agree that you will do this amount of work."
- The foundation of a higher purpose is a "social system in which the greater good has been envisioned, articulated, and authenticated....[It is] the arbiter of all decisions, and people find meaning in their work and in their relationships despite the conflicts. They share a vision and are fully engaged. They strive to transcend their egos and sacrifice for the common good."
The authors, rather than believing these two theories are mutually exclusive, set about to find where they intersected...and go from there.
Ironically enough, Part I is about the why we should consider be a Purpose-driven Organization - and the dangers of faking it e.g. making it a PR campaign vs. the way to do business.
Part II is the 8-step method, which frankly, isn't THAT counterintuitive, but definitely requires some intentional thought and actions. The steps seem simple enough, but will probably be hard (not easy!) to do.
I have three clients who consider themselves to be purpose-driven organizations (or on the path toward calling themselves such). I am suggesting they read this book and confirm what they are doing well - and then have a frank and authentic discussion about what they are NOT doing yet SHOULD be doing and/or what they can do differently based on the various steps.
One final thing: You don't have to be the CEO to read this book and implement these ideas. You can use this book an in individual, team, business unit or enterprise level. Good luck!
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera, scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
| Amazon Price | New from | Used from |
|
Kindle Edition
"Please retry" | — | — |
|
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry" |
$0.00
| Free with your Audible trial | |
|
Audio CD, CD, Unabridged
"Please retry" |
—
| — | — |
- Read with Our Free App
-
Audiobook
$0.00 - 2 Used from $31.44 8 New from $27.81 1 Collectible from $114.50
- 1 Used from $61.62 1 New from $31.99
Frequently bought together
- +
- +
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from other countries
Kristin J. Arnold
Finally, the Roadmap to Creating a Purpose-Driven Organization
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 22, 2022Verified Purchase
Jerald L. Duff
Quinn Has Done it Again
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 21, 2019Verified Purchase
Llema1
Great book - pair it with Deep Change!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 16, 2020Verified Purchase
jason kegerreis
Worthwhile Read
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 9, 2019Verified Purchase
C A
Speculative
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 27, 2019Verified Purchase
