I recently had the extraordinary privilege of being interviewed by Prof R. Edward Freeman, the pioneering mind behind stakeholder theory and stakeholder capitalism. His groundbreaking work from the 1970s has fundamentally shaped modern business ethics and sustainability practices. This 50-minute podcast interview was an eye-opening experience, and I'm excited to share it with you.
You can buy my book or audio version here: Five Horizons.
Sharing Insights with the University of Bath
The University of Bath quoted Prof Freeman in their Masters lectures, and I felt it was important to share this podcast with them. Listening to Prof Freeman's insights again was fascinating, and I'm incredibly grateful for the close attention and recognition he gave me during our conversation.
You can listen to the podcast on various platforms:
The Friedman vs. Freeman Debate
In our discussion, we revisited the classic debate between Milton Friedman and R. Edward Freeman. Fourteen years ago, Freeman speculated that if Friedman were alive today, he might align with the principles of stakeholder capitalism, recognizing the evolving demands for ethical and sustainable business practices. You can watch Freeman's thoughts on this debate here: Friedman vs. Freeman.
A Journey of Discovery
What's particularly intriguing is that I created my book without any prior reference or reading into other formal theories, including Freeman's. I had not even known his name before publishing. It was purely coincidental yet profoundly enlightening to later meet him and delve deeper into the principles that underpin my work. This serendipitous alignment has reinforced the significance of stakeholder theory in driving sustainable and ethical business practices.
The Impact of Stakeholder Theory
Stakeholder theory posits that businesses should create value for all stakeholders, not just shareholders. This approach fosters a more inclusive and sustainable economic system, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various societal elements. Prof Freeman's work has inspired countless leaders to adopt more holistic and responsible business strategies, and our conversation further underscored the importance of these principles.
I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to engage with Prof Freeman and to share these insights with a broader audience. His recognition and insights have enriched my understanding and underscored the relevance of my work in the context of stakeholder capitalism.
For those interested in exploring these concepts further, I highly recommend tuning into the podcast and diving into the world of stakeholder theory. Together, we can continue to push the boundaries of ethical and sustainable business practices.