Saturday, September 01, 2012

BUSINESS BEYOND PROFITS!

As the world emerges from global recession, businesses should focus on restoring their profitability. But only short-sighted businesses do so at the expense of the pursuit of a broader purpose, writes Amit Bhatia, scion of the l. N. Mittal group, founder of Mittal Champions Trust and Swordfish Investments

The past few years have seen growth rates drop everywhere – even in emerging economies like India and China. That process has not only affected nations and businesses but also lives of ordinary people. As the focus of governments, businesses and the ordinary man turned to survival, many personal aspirations were put on hold and major infrastructure projects, such as the construction of new roads and hospitals were shelved or not built as quickly as they might otherwise have been.

As the world starts to readjust to the new normal of a period of prolonged economic austerity, it might be tempting for companies to reign in programmes that make no discernable contribution to the bottom line as they come under pressure from investors to increase profitability. But now is exactly the time when companies must stay true to the ambitions they laid out in more prosperous times and remember that, over the long term, companies with a purpose beyond profitability will enjoy the greatest success.

There are many who would argue that by simply producing its product, being profitable and providing jobs, a business is already making a substantial contribution to an economy. But over the years the accepted view has become more sophisticated. Business, it is often argued, is in a unique position to help make a broader contribution. As part of its license to operate, it should act responsibly at all times and seek to actively engage with the communities in which it is present. This, advocates of corporate responsibility claim, will generate long-term and sustainable advantages for the business in terms of growth and profitability.

I agree. Of course profitability is crucial. A business has no future if it cannot be profitable, something that will have severe consequences for all stakeholders. But equally businesses must look beyond profit, and also pay attention to the quality of life, in the broadest sense, of the communities in which they work.

I have actually always been very impressed by the emphasis leading Indian companies place on Corporate Social Responsibility. The winner of the Corporate Responsibility Award at the Financial Times/ArcelorMittal inaugural Boldness in Business Awards in 2008 was Selco, an Indian social enterprise that provides sustainable energy solutions and services to under-served households and businesses.

There are many examples of leading Indian companies who make a healthy profit, but utilise a proportion of this profit to make a meaningful contribution where they believe they can have a positive impact such as education and health.


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