Reflections

Analysis of “What’s a Business For?” by Charles Handy

• Why are virtue and integrity so vital to an economy? Handy describes this importance in a free market in this way, “Markets rely on rules and laws, but those rules and laws in turn depend on truth and trust. Conceal truth or erode trust, and the game becomes so unreliable that no one will want to play.” (Case Study) This is why in pre-socialist or fascist countries there is a collapse of business because if there is a chance that the government will take over industry (in reality, government theft/dishonesty) then there is no incentive for privately owned business.
• According to Charles Handy, what is the “real justification” for the existence of businesses? “The purpose of a business, in other words, is not to make a profit, full stop. It is to make a profit so that the business can do something more or better. That “something” becomes the real justification for the business.” (Case Study)
• What are two solutions proposed by Handy that you agree with? Why? The first I agree with would be, “doing good does not necessarily rule out making a reasonable profit. You can, for example, make money by serving the poor as well as the rich.” He gives a couple of examples of this and I personally have been involved in some micro-lending through the website kiva.com. The second solution I agree with would be for business to “measure success in terms of outcomes for others as well as for ourselves.” As a business owner I took great pride in providing a livelihood for my employees. I truly believe in the business owner’s mantra that your employees get paid first.

The Journey of Becoming

As I reported this week on the book “A Field Guide for the Hero’s Journey” by Jeff Sandefer & Rev. Robert Sirico, it became very clear to me what my journey in life should entail. Each step on the journey, each thought in my mind, each word spoken to those around me, every choice I make, and each action take should be helping me become as the Savior Jesus Christ. This type of clarity drives out doubt and fear, gives me the strength to overcome challenges, and increases my faith and trust in the Lord. What a powerful perspective on this life as well as the eternal nature of our souls.