A Groundbreaking New Book
from Wharton School Publishing
The bottom line case for the FoE way
This book not only challenges capitalism’s traditional marketing paradigm but the very "genes" of capitalism. If any book is going to launch a New Capitalism of Caring, it is this book that redefines great companies as stakeholder value builders, not just shareholder agents.
PHILIP KOTLER
S.C. Johnson Distinguished Professor of International Marketing
Kellogg School of Management
Northwestern University
The men and women cited in this book... evidence keen self-knowledge and project candor and maturity -- three essential elements of integrity -- in their interactions with others. In return, stakeholders in every category place uncommon trust in their companies and products. Beyond this, stakeholders develop real affection for such companies. They literally love Firms of Endearment (FoEs). It is not too much of a stretch to see that as FoEs proliferate -- and that they are doing -- the principles of leadership that guide their destinies will be adopted by organizations of every stripe.
FROM THE FOREWORD BY
WARREN BENNIS
Distinguished Professor of Business Administration
University of Southern California
Most studies of corporate exceptionalism or "greatness" start with financial performance and work backwards. We started with human performance and worked forward.
We researched hundreds of companies that people love - not just like, but love. We put them through a stringent set of screening criteria to arrive at a final set of 28 Firms of Endearment: companies truly loved by all who come in contact with them - customers, employees, suppliers, environmentalists, the community, even governments!
These companies pay their employees very well, provide great value to customers, and have thriving, profitable suppliers. They are also wonderful for investors, returning 1025% over the past 10 years, compared to only 122% for the S&P 500 and 316% for the companies profiled in the bestselling book Good to Great -- companies selected purely on the basis of their ability to deliver superior returns to investors.
The world is changing dramatically, imposing new requirements for success. To thrive in the future, companies will have to embrace the social transformation of capitalism. This inspirational book will show the way.
