Companies With a Conscience: Intimate Portraits of Twelve Firms That Make a Difference

In-depth portraits of twelve American companies with a social conscience feature information about Alfalfa, Inc., a chain of natural food stores, and Esprit, which allows employees to volunteer for charities on company time.

In an attempt to describe and promote the movement toward "caring capitalism," which incorporates commitments to employees, customers, and the community with bottom-line profitability, the authors profile 12 successful enterprises, including Esprit and Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc. Each portrait is based on interviews with each company's founder(s) and includes their visions, principles, and some examples of practical applications. While not particularly well written, these profiles are generally heartwarming and interesting in terms of the philosophies of the various corporations. More detailed information as well as more specific analysis would have been helpful. Still, the final chapter, "Lessons of Conscientious Leadership," does reflect on some broader considerations. Recommended for larger business collections.
- Elizabeth McKenty, Foundation Ctr., New York
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.