Corporations are amoral

Author: Joel Bakan

Year: 2004

Publisher: Free Press

This book truly exemplifies the old adage that the whole is more than the parts it is made of.

When reading this book it becomes very clear that corporations, despite the good intentions of so many that are part of it can and often will develop a tendency to be amoral (as opposed to immoral) and will only pursue their main raison d'être which is creating value for its shareholders.

As a result corporations can and will trample, from time to time, the rights and interests if individuals and other entities.

The author argues that the fault does not lie with the corporation per se, as it is a function of its design but rather with policy makers who allow for policies that do not control corporations enough.

Practical Lessons from an Ambidexter Perspective:

• When designing/building and improving organizational functions make sure the high level intentions are translated into measurable operational indicators.