Saïd Business School Research Highlighted by Richard Branson and Others at World Economic Forum
Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, led an event at the World Economic Forum yesterday that unveiled initial findings from new research by EY and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
The findings, which reveal how leading companies are transforming with a purpose to drive innovation and growth, were discussed by distinguished panelists that included: Arianna Huffington, President & Editor-in-Chief, Huffington Post Media; Antony Jenkins, Group CEO, Barclays; Paul Polman, CEO, Unilever; Irene Rosenfeld, Chairman & CEO, Mondelez International; and Mark Weinberger, Global Chairman and CEO, EY.
The research findings include an initial review of relevant literature and assembled case studies from global firms, as well as interviews with senior executives across industries and geographies worldwide. Some of the findings include:
• Corporate leaders see the organization’s role evolving to address global challenges, taking an active role in creating well-being and value for and with a wider set of stakeholders.
• Leading executives are talking about purpose more and in different ways – articulating a broader purpose that is their reason for being, grounded in an outward-facing declaration around their role in the global community.
• Business professionals recognize the importance of an integrated, humane purpose driving core functions like strategy, business models and talent management, but they acknowledge there is a gap between this recognition and the policy and practice in their organizations.
Click here to learn more about the report’s findings and the WEF panel.
