Companies, from individualism to general interest

Can companies, once symbols of the individualism of our societies, become the new engines of the general interest? While consumers want to consume differently, and employees oppose “bullshit jobs” in a desire for meaning, companies are anchoring themselves in their local areas and developing their sectors. The general interest becomes the driving force behind individual interests. Corporate social responsibility, sustainable development objectives, mission-driven businesses: today, it is in the interest of companies to adopt sustainable business models oriented towards the general interest, in order to have a positive impact on communities and the environment, and to work on the meaning of work and on employees’ sense of social utility, capacity for development and ethical coherence.

How could corporate leaders and managers promote a culture focused on the public interest? What could be the role of trade unions in this goal? How can companies integrate sustainability and responsibility into their strategy and day-to-day decision-making?