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Этичный капиталист. Бизнес должен лучше служить обществу
Капитализм сбился с пути, считает один из ведущих британских предпринимателей, основатель сети магазинов видео- и аудиотехники Richer Sounds Джулиан Ричер. Пресса пишет о компаниях, которые нарушают права работников, обманывают клиентов, уклоняются от уплаты налогов. Общественное недовольство системой растет…
Основываясь на своем сорокалетнем опыте управления бизнесом, Джулиан Ричер утверждает, что этично управляемые предприятия более эффективны, чем те, которые заботятся только о прибыли. В своей книге он рассказывает о простых инструментах, помогающих лучшим руководителям сделать свой бизнес более справедливым, а также поднимает вопросы, на которые современный капитализм должен найти ответ, если хочет выжить и процветать далее.
"Этичный капиталист" - это призыв к новому пониманию целей и смысла бизнеса. Еще есть шанс спасти капитализм от самого себя, - считает Джулиан Ричер.
Основываясь на своем сорокалетнем опыте управления бизнесом, Джулиан Ричер утверждает, что этично управляемые предприятия более эффективны, чем те, которые заботятся только о прибыли. В своей книге он рассказывает о простых инструментах, помогающих лучшим руководителям сделать свой бизнес более справедливым, а также поднимает вопросы, на которые современный капитализм должен найти ответ, если хочет выжить и процветать далее.
"Этичный капиталист" - это призыв к новому пониманию целей и смысла бизнеса. Еще есть шанс спасти капитализм от самого себя, - считает Джулиан Ричер.
192 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
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July 31, 2024u know maybe I should stick to fiction
September 9, 2020
It was OK. The basic tenets are sound but it's a lot of borrowed theories and not so much innovation. For the right person, this would be an eye-opener. For an experienced business owner, it's pretty basic. If you've read all of the books he references, you'll find it mildly frustrating and he does, in fact, reference mostly what I see as core texts and books I know intimately without really building on the ideas.
If you're anti-buisness or a screaming socialist, this is a great read as it outlines a lot of the reasons businesses CAN operate fairly and be of benefit to the world. It also describes a lot of the specific ways in which the unscrupulous ones mess it up and breaks the idea that business = bad across the board.
All of that said, this is an important book and I'd certainly recommend it to certain people.
If you're anti-buisness or a screaming socialist, this is a great read as it outlines a lot of the reasons businesses CAN operate fairly and be of benefit to the world. It also describes a lot of the specific ways in which the unscrupulous ones mess it up and breaks the idea that business = bad across the board.
All of that said, this is an important book and I'd certainly recommend it to certain people.
October 5, 2018
An executive summary would have been enough.
The Ethical Capitalist presented concepts and values that are very aligned with my own thinking. However, the book format provided no additional value as I felt that the ideas could have been presented in a one page executive summary. Also, some of the discussion was very UK specific and were not that interesting to someone living overseas.
The Ethical Capitalist presented concepts and values that are very aligned with my own thinking. However, the book format provided no additional value as I felt that the ideas could have been presented in a one page executive summary. Also, some of the discussion was very UK specific and were not that interesting to someone living overseas.
January 1, 2026
Julian seems like a good guy, but his book does not succeed. A fun and easy read, but it fails at its core premise - to make an actual argument for capitalism.
There are lots of arguments in benefit of treating the white collar worker well for mutual benefit, for efficiencies sake. But he glosses over successful companies - namely Amazon - gaining record profits off the exploitation of the blue collar worker. He leaves the issue of exploitative banking practices completely hanging, where it is conceded that they are actually more profitable when they are corrupt.
The reputation argument doesn't fly either - lots of companies that Julian lists which have engaged in exploitative practice somewhere in their supply chain have widely washed away any reputation issues they had yet continued to exploit regardless.
Julian does want to ban zero hours contracts though, which is pretty based. I would hope doing so would raise more than £4 billion in tax revenues, but regardless, I'd never even thought of the potential tax loss as an argument for their banning.
Zero hours is one of those policies which is great for the sons and daughters of rich parents, and terrible for children who's parents have no choice but to work them.
There are lots of arguments in benefit of treating the white collar worker well for mutual benefit, for efficiencies sake. But he glosses over successful companies - namely Amazon - gaining record profits off the exploitation of the blue collar worker. He leaves the issue of exploitative banking practices completely hanging, where it is conceded that they are actually more profitable when they are corrupt.
The reputation argument doesn't fly either - lots of companies that Julian lists which have engaged in exploitative practice somewhere in their supply chain have widely washed away any reputation issues they had yet continued to exploit regardless.
Julian does want to ban zero hours contracts though, which is pretty based. I would hope doing so would raise more than £4 billion in tax revenues, but regardless, I'd never even thought of the potential tax loss as an argument for their banning.
Zero hours is one of those policies which is great for the sons and daughters of rich parents, and terrible for children who's parents have no choice but to work them.
March 11, 2022
I didn't think I'd learn much from this book, however, as I have been a Richer Sounds customer for 25 years and have a lot of respect for Julian Richer, I thought I'd check it out from the library.
I was surprised to learn many interesting and shocking stats about exactly how wealth inequality has increased in Britain, as I have personally observed the social fabric of the UK be torn apart since the Blair regime got into power in 1997. One example was how well-meaning Government policies, combined with unscrupulous employers, exacerbate rather than reduce wealth inequality.
I also learnt about organisations such as the Living Wage Foundation which I had never heard about until it was mentioned in this book. I won't mention too much else because I don't want to write too many spoilers.
I'd recommend this book if you are interested in how business, government and society need to work in harmony in order for a country to be successful and prosperous.
I was surprised to learn many interesting and shocking stats about exactly how wealth inequality has increased in Britain, as I have personally observed the social fabric of the UK be torn apart since the Blair regime got into power in 1997. One example was how well-meaning Government policies, combined with unscrupulous employers, exacerbate rather than reduce wealth inequality.
I also learnt about organisations such as the Living Wage Foundation which I had never heard about until it was mentioned in this book. I won't mention too much else because I don't want to write too many spoilers.
I'd recommend this book if you are interested in how business, government and society need to work in harmony in order for a country to be successful and prosperous.
May 10, 2018
This is a wonderful business book; in fact it's wrong to put it in just that category as Julian Richer's recipe for running a business is based on some ancient truisms, which also serve as a recipe for life. What's more this book is the distillation of four decades of experience at the sharp end of the business world - consumer electronics - where there is no room for woolly idealism. Richer advocates an ethical approach because it works. His book is a pleasure to read. He uses words to communicate, not to impress or gloss over and his easily readable prose is clear, unobtrusive and utterly free of jargon. Like the prose, his message itself it is deceptively simple but it carries some profound ideas for our times.
May 30, 2018
Flying the flag for a more balanced approach to business
An excellent read and refreshing take on how much sense it makes to run a business or organisation with solid ethics that in turn build a better more sustainable operation with happier employees and happier customers.
Well written and very thought provoking.
With subtle but fundamental change to the way organisations are run it is clear after reading this book that so much could be achieved to deliver a better society.
If only more CEOs could think and act like Mr Richer, our country would be a so much better place!
An excellent read and refreshing take on how much sense it makes to run a business or organisation with solid ethics that in turn build a better more sustainable operation with happier employees and happier customers.
Well written and very thought provoking.
With subtle but fundamental change to the way organisations are run it is clear after reading this book that so much could be achieved to deliver a better society.
If only more CEOs could think and act like Mr Richer, our country would be a so much better place!
October 16, 2021
8/10 17% not surprisingly as a fellow member of the Good Business Charter I enjoyed this book and agree with pretty much everything discussed 100% - personally I’d like to see directors wages capped at a max multiple of the lowest paid in a company and only paid on success, whether a private or public business. The argument for a state paid minimum wage instead of benefits also seems worth revisiting.
September 5, 2019
The book is one of two halves. The first half when Julian is describing his own experiences is universally applicable. The second half is an argument for a valuation of the Foundational Economy, much like is outlined in the book of the same name published by Manchester University Press, with five authors.
November 15, 2019
A business has to be ethical and serve the public or it goes out of business. Unless it is backed by the governmental gun. Richer, who probably made his money on political connections, is concerned about this aspect, about his cronies and Society is e vague euphemism to his political buddies and their pet projects.
June 22, 2020
Compelling case for ensuring that business leaders proactively think about the social impact of their companies, because it will ultimately make them more successful. Just as no man is an island, nor is a company!
March 4, 2021
This should be a text book
The premise, that ethics must be part of a capitalist society, should be taught in schools. This book is eye opening and thought provoking. Some of it is things I've been saying for years. Other parts had me stunned but nodding YES! YES! YES!
The premise, that ethics must be part of a capitalist society, should be taught in schools. This book is eye opening and thought provoking. Some of it is things I've been saying for years. Other parts had me stunned but nodding YES! YES! YES!
July 24, 2021
The book gets 5* on account of the fact that author is able to demonstrate sustainable business practices by example rather than berate and lecture. Refreshing to read from this perspective in a way that without doubt is resolutely challenging the modus operandi of capitalism at its core.
August 9, 2023
Surprisingly enjoyed this book, you could be critical that there isn't much substance behind the discussion but I found it prompted interesting further reading and research and helped me re-evaluate a few things. Not sure I'd fully recommend the book but did enjoy the read.
November 11, 2019
Well written with experience and facts, narrating limitations of capitalism, but still how it can bring good to society by working its magic.
November 23, 2019
Very insightful view of a 3rd way, and proof that not all capitalism is bad.
June 28, 2020
Finished the book after a long postpone. I find it light and fresh, some chapters have opened my eyes about UK business condition. However, I feel like it's oversimplified in many aspects.
January 4, 2021
Any (soon to be) managers/ business owners should read this book
December 3, 2022
Interesting and convincing essay from an admirable business person who walks the talk. Some good ideas to take away and applicable to virtually any workplace.
November 29, 2023
Short read, but I enjoyed it.
May 7, 2024
Richer outlines how to do business better by essentially being nicer. The theories and practices out forward in this book are good but perhaps a bit easy. While there is some pretty straightforward stuff about being honest, fair and kind to staff so they don't resent you, customers and work, there is also some interesting stuff about tax and employee governance.
Handing power to employees and granting profit shares are a far more radical and bold plan for a truly ethical building when it comes to appreciating labour.
And as a wider point the importance of paying tax as that is paying for all the costs the government has picked up for you. Cheating them is cheating, customers, employees, your business and yourself.
Handing power to employees and granting profit shares are a far more radical and bold plan for a truly ethical building when it comes to appreciating labour.
And as a wider point the importance of paying tax as that is paying for all the costs the government has picked up for you. Cheating them is cheating, customers, employees, your business and yourself.
April 13, 2019
This was a great book. This quote in the final chapter resonates:
“Everybody needs and deserves an education, healthcare and somewhere to live. Only a tiny minority could afford these if all three were simply left to the open market. Heavy state involvement is therefore essential. And what experience has shown is that when the state then attempts to pass or delegate responsibility for the majority to a free market that would otherwise trade only with a minority, the outcome is rarely a positive one.”
And he then goes on to talk about the social housing crisis in the UK. Something we know about here in New Zealand...
“Everybody needs and deserves an education, healthcare and somewhere to live. Only a tiny minority could afford these if all three were simply left to the open market. Heavy state involvement is therefore essential. And what experience has shown is that when the state then attempts to pass or delegate responsibility for the majority to a free market that would otherwise trade only with a minority, the outcome is rarely a positive one.”
And he then goes on to talk about the social housing crisis in the UK. Something we know about here in New Zealand...
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews