Institute for Business in Society

In an examination of the role of character in leadership and decision-making, Darden Professor Jared Harris offers guidance on creating a personal vision, defining one’s values, preparing for the defining moments of a professional career, and how to actively pursue one’s best self.

The Partnership for Central America works with businesses and social enterprises to address the root causes of migration through economic opportunity and investments in education, health care and transportation infrastructure. It’s a public-private partnership in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’ Call to Action for Central America.

SAMRIDH Healthcare Blended Finance Facility improves access to affordable and quality health care for the most socioeconomically vulnerable in India. It leverages philanthropic funding to mitigate barriers for private investment and drive greater commercial investments toward health system strengthening and is a leading public-private partnership.

The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation promotes inclusive economic growth by giving developing and least developed countries better access to international trade. A neutral convener between government and business, it provides technical support and guidance, channeling global business knowledge. It is a leading public-private partnership.

Pursuing plastic neutrality, the Plastics Solution Alliance in Timor-Leste works to minimize the use and improper disposal of plastic and establish an inclusive recycling value chain. This will expand the small manufacturing base, diversify an oil-dependent economy and provide employment opportunities. It is a leading public-private partnership.

We are in the midst of a crisis in child care. That’s not just for the parents or children directly and presently affected; if we don’t invest in quality care now, society will literally pay for it later. The matter touches issues of health, income, crime, IQ, costs to families and the public, and an individual’s ability to maintain employment.

People agree that racism is real and wrong, but what can they do about it? With actionable advice, a new book in the Giving Voice to Values series explores how we can move from examining the causes to actively being part of the solution. For example: realistic influence, practically addressing structures, and effectively promoting diversity.

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued its assessment report on the increasing urgency of addressing climate change. Here Ed Freeman connects with Mike Lenox on the urgency around climate change and why stakeholder engagement is vital to solving one of the toughest political, engineering and technological problems.

Spotify is under scrutiny for content on Joe Rogan’s podcast and talent compensation. Darden experts explain how crises can be tempered with good governance — who’s on the board, how it thinks about risk, the business model, strategy, process and culture. Ultimately, “Governance is the way a firm organizes around and executes on its purpose.”

The U.S. faces many societal challenges. Here, two generations argue for a solution: the embrace of an entrepreneurial spirit. Business can be part of the solution, and there are specific actions we can take to encourage and accelerate the positive effects new businesses bring to society.