Listen up! Shareholder value no longer everything for big business

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Comment: Whether through conviction or pragmatism, business leaders are redefining the role of their corporations and the nature of capitalism, writes Stephen Bartholomeusz

When a local chief executive pops up to talk about social issues, they inevitably attract fierce criticism from commentators and some shareholders who believe CEOs should only talk about operations and profits.

They stressed that the long-term interests of all stakeholders, which included customers, employees, suppliers, communities as well as shareholders, were inseparable, pointing to issues such as diversity, social inclusion and the environment.

When Andrew Mackenzie talks about BHP’s commitment to reducing its carbon emissions, it's pragmatism.Market capitalism is under attack everywhere, from a wave of populism, nationalism and protectionism that is, in part, a reaction to the growing inequality that has accelerated through the post-financial-crisis era.

While there might be an element of altruism in its commitment to decarbonisation, or improving the lot of indigenous communities and supporting the Uluru statement, or committing to gender equality, they are also extremely pragmatic positions to hold if BHP wants to protect those licences in the face of rapidly-evolving community expectations.

 

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