Ants, Galileo, and Gandhi: Designing the Future of Business through Nature, Genius, and Compassion
These are smart, detailed, in-the-trenches case studies of how companies align sustainability with business success, along with the scientific and societal rationale that amplify these initiatives’ importance. Mainstream managers will find both guidance and inspiration."Sissel Waage...and her preeminent group of contributors have carefully and persuasively found a balance capturing the essence of sustainability while at the same time identifying and assessing important lessons to be learned from their experience....Anyone or any business seeking to begin, refine, or implement their sustainability-related business practices should have this book in their library."The need to infuse nature's ways into our economic systems is no longer about a better environment, it is about out very survival as a species-and most others as well.Ants, Galileo, and Gandhiconveys important lessons learned on the most recent segment of this mythic journey."Few books about sustainability lend insight into the intricacies of integrating social and ecological factors into business strategy. Even fewer celebrate the creativity necessary to do so. Aided by actionable case studies told by pioneering practitioners,Ants, Galileo, and Gandhibrings to life the inevitable fact that too many in the business community avoid: We are all part of-and responsible to-a system that we don't fully understand yet should aim to fully respect, even if only for our own good."Ants, Galileo, and Gandhiis just what the doctor ordered: smart, detailed, in-the-trenches case studies of how companies align sustainability with business success, along with the scientific and societal rationale that amplify these initiatives’ importance. There may be no better set of principles to guide today’s companies through tomorrow's challenging markets."Ants, Galileo, and Gandhiis one of the most informative, comprehensive and inspiring works on how business and industry must think and can act to help create a healthy, just and sustainable society worldwide. It is the first book to link business decision-making and strategies for action to a framework and set of scientific principles that can lead to true sustainability. Masterfully written and based on solid theory backed up by impressive case studies,Ants, Galileo, and Gandhiis a ‘must-read’ for decision-makers in industry, government, and civil society and should be required reading in all business, economics, and engineering education."Unsustainable business practices are becoming increasingly costly as the demand for resources rise. Companies working towards environmental and social sustainability are learning first-hand that it’s the right thing to do and that it's profitable.Ants, Galileo, and Gandhiprovides a glimpse into a handful of pioneering companies that are integrating systems thinking, rigorous analysis and compassion, into their daily work."Sustainability doesn’t just happen: It requires a leap forward not just in our processes but in our thinking. This book shows the way. Moreover, it demonstrates that our environmental problems have common-sense solutions — that if we are thoughtful and creative we can do better — and that our political leaders are sadly lagging behind."Ants, Galileo, and Gandhioffers a big-picture and ultimately optimistic view of business's transition toward sustainability. By combining case studies with a high-level overview of the sorts of work that need to be done, it provides visionary yet practical guidance."This book offers a compelling collection of arguments and illustrations for convincing creative business leaders that sustainability is the desired path for the future. Through 14 chapters covering theory, case studies, and tools, the book shows that the business drive towards sustainability requires a systems approach and intelligent questioning, but, also, a deep-seated concern for the environment and all of the life it supports."Ants, Galileo, and Gandhiprovides a good sampling of the kind of thinking and action that will be needed to pull our world from its ever-spiraling social, economic, and environmental problems. The authors offer a glimpse of what it will take: revolutionary innovation, deep social consciousness, and new adaptations of natural systems. For those who want to see business as it should be, this is the book to read."Despite a decade of high-level talking, and all sorts of new business initiatives, sustainability remains an elusive concept for both businesspeople and policy-makers. It needn't be like that. This is a book that cuts through the confusion, combining the hard science of sustainability with practical, real-life business experience. Continuing confusion about sustainability is not an option. We urgently need to start engaging with the real thing."The outline of the corporation of the future is just starting to emerge. We owe a debt of gratitude to the pioneering work of Ray Anderson, Matt Klein, and others affiliated with The Natural Step for bringing this outline into sharper focus."The work described in this book is essential reading for the 21st-century business leader wanting to know about the next important trends.Ants, Galileo, and Gandhiargues that new designs for all enterprises — from large, medium, and small businesses, through financial service sector institutions — are becoming clear. This shift turns on integration of environmental and social issues into business strategy and operations and the pathways for taking these issues seriously while running a successful company.