IFoA Thought Leadership Programme - The Power of Purposeful Business
Purpose is the corporate buzzword of today, with politicians, the public, and even shareholders calling on businesses to serve wider society. But purpose is also controversial because companies have a responsibility to deliver returns to investors. Is there a trade-off between purpose and profit, or is it possible for companies to achieve both? This talk, part of the Presidential Speaker Series, will critically examine the case for purposeful business, using rigorous evidence and real-life examples to show what works – and, importantly, what doesn’t. It will discuss practical ways for businesses of all sizes to put purpose into practice – to ensure it guides a company’s day-to-day decisions, is embedded throughout the organisation, and enhances rather than jeopardises long-run shareholder returns. Chair: Matt Saker. Speaker: Alex Edmunds