Changing the purpose of the corporation to rebalance capitalism

Abstract

Abstract Solving the great problems of our time will require reimagining capitalism by balancing the power of the free market with capable, democratically accountable government and strong civil society. Changing the purpose of the firm has the potential to make this process of rebalancing significantly easier. Purpose-driven firms could be catalysts in the drive for systemic change by supporting transformation within their own industries, supporting cooperation in the public interest and modelling public/private partnerships, and supporting the strengthening of global democracy. Transforming the purpose of the firm will require not only changing corporate law, but also changing the metrics used to control and measure firms and the social norms that constrain and guide corporate behavior.