Theme: Collaboration & Sustainability for Boards

What is the best way to integrate sustainability into the corporate governance framework? Boards of directors have chosen two distinct paths: the functional way, which focuses on corporate governance of sustainability, and the foundational approach, which leads to sustainable corporate governance. This article assesses the merits and limitations of both approaches and calls for a transition to sustainable governance. This requires board members to engage regularly with stakeholders and to continuously debate the underlying assumptions to further develop the governance framework as required.

The nature of the debate on the role of business in society strongly suggests a cyclical nature, with constant attempts to balance different interests and perspectives. To overcome the illusion of solving this conundrum, this article proposes an alternative approach, multipurpose capitalism. It posits that companies should compete not only on their products and services, but also on their different purpose profiles. It is left to consumers, workers, and investors to decide where to shop, work, and invest. The article offers a framework and methodology to create a comprehensive ecosystem that enables this matching process and suggests ways to overcome the challenges along the way.

Promoting a sense of responsibility is often seen as a benchmark for good corporate governance. The article argues for extending the discourse of responsibility to corporate citizenship and for understanding sustainability initiatives as innovation processes. The Board of Directors has a central role to play here, both in interpreting social change and in creating the conditions for successful implementation of social impact initiatives.

Die globale Finanz- und Wirtschaftskrise hat wachgerüttelt und gezeigt, dass sich für die Unternehmensführung ein neues Management-Modell aufdrängt, das nicht mehr vom Prinzip der Gewinnmaximierung, sondern von einem «Gewinn unter Nebenbedingungen», d.h. unter der An­nahme einer realistischen Berücksichtigung von Anliegen und lnteressen aller Anspruchsgruppen, ausgeht. Diese Nebenbedingungen umfassen dabei alle jene Kriterien, die über die rein ökonomische Maximierung hinausge­hen und die Nachhaltigkeit sowie die Corporate Social Responsibility definieren und sicherstellen. Sie bilden die Grundlage für das normative Management, das bewusst in die strategische Planung in der Unternehmung einzu­beziehen ist.