Introduction

I am a true believer in capitalism and an open and free global economy. The business community is perhaps the most important contributor to generating growth, prosperity, and finding solutions to the big challenges of our planet—poverty and the environmental dangers we are facing. All of my years in business have reinforced this idea. Public advocacy groups certainly have an important role to play in this process, but I believe business’s participation in these concerns is essential.

It is thus with growing concern that I note what seems to be an increasing divide between business and the general public. Almost every day, there are reports in the media about company malpractices, greed, or even outright criminal behavior. The most evident examples are probably companies in the finance sector in countries like the United States, UK, and Ireland, and companies linked to various environmental disasters. Among the names that come to mind are WorldCom, Enron, BP, Exxon, and Bernard Madoff. But no one runs a business free from scrutiny. The respect for and trust of the business community is at risk.