Ethical Business for the 21st Century

Contemporary capitalism is broken: it has contributed to rising inequality, ecological crisis, and eroding trust in institutions. These problems, however, are not inevitable features of capitalism. Rather, they are the result of a particular way of thinking about business: one that narrowly defines its purpose and limits its responsibilities.This book offers a bold reimagining of what business can – and should – be. Timely and urgent, it presents a comprehensive new vision of business that brings together insights from stakeholder theory, the moral markets model, and the capabilities approach to justice. Together, these perspectives provide the moral foundations for a new form of stakeholder capitalism, recognizing that the long-term success of business, the proper functioning of markets, and the flourishing of people and planet depend not simply on financial performance, but on creating value for, and respecting the dignity of, all those affected by business.Drawing on the author’s research in applied ethics, the book highlights the fundamental importance of addressing ethical challenges such as corporate greed, employee well-being, economic inequality, and climate responsibility in contemporary business. Accessible and cross-disciplinary, Ethical Business for the 21st Century provides an ethical framework for rethinking corporate purpose and building a more humane, inclusive, and sustainable economy – making it essential reading for business leaders, policymakers, students, and anyone interested in the future of business and capitalism.