Business, ethics & society

Between 2020 and 2021, the number of billionaires in China rose by more than 60 percent. Compared to the U.S. — which still holds the highest number of billionaires — China’s list changes frequently. Why does it show so much turnover? The answer has to do with the country’s dualistic capitalist-socialist identity.

In The Stakeholder Podcast, Professor Ed Freeman interviews Bill Shelton, who leveraged his success for social good. They discuss race in business, sports in society and how the habits of elite athletes can translate into career performance. Shelton’s EOS helps female athletes translate their success into corporate careers and sponsorships.

Millions are quitting in the “Great Resignation.” And the pandemic, major social unrest, and frightening political and economic conditions are leading to serious re-evaluation and mental health challenges. Coaches and counselors help people increase self-awareness, grow skills, and eliminate barriers to success. What might be a good fit for you?

Professor Martin Davidson writes on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and how corporate America will chose to invest in progress.

November was a big month for climate, with excitement around renewed talks at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and Biden’s signing of the U.S. infrastructure bill. Yet recent commitments made by governments may not be enough to avoid the inevitable disruption that will be experienced around the world due to global warming.

Despite interest in responsible capitalism, promises on stakeholder value are being tested as COVID-19 scars economies across the globe. Professor Parmar sees a mixture of tensions — including matters of health and safety, stresses of pandemic life, issues of justice and equality — as the acid test for companies’ commitment to the stakeholder model

Behavior tracking is playing a growing role in today’s workplace. Darden Professor Roshni Raveendhran offers a psychological account for employees’ increased willingness to accept, rather than resist, technology-operated behavior tracking, which sheds light on how business leaders should approach employee monitoring.

In The Stakeholder Podcast, Professor Ed Freeman interviews Kip Tindell, founder of The Container Store, about starting a business where everyone thrives thanks to the simplest form of the stakeholder model. They discuss optimism about the post-pandemic era, employees as true partners, and how to fix the capital markets to protect stakeholders.

Professor Michael Lenox, who also serves as senior associate dean and chief strategy officer at Darden, delivers his expertise on climate action and says that success will depend on greening energy sources, reducing emissions from industrials, agriculture and buildings, and electrifying transportation.

Facebook’s whistlerblower, Frances Haugen, has made international headlines with her claims about the inner workings against the tech giant. Professor Jared Harris discusses business ethics in the era of big tech.