The Value of Values

The interconnected challenges businesses face today make values more crucial than ever.

Given the complex challenges business leaders face today, from the realities of climate change to shifting sociopolitical contexts and evolving consumer expectations, your values as a business matter more than ever. In an increasingly interconnected world, no organization can evade the pervasive influence of “megatrends” such as artificial intelligence or the rise of populism. Rather than trying to ignore these new global realities, address them in ways that reflect your values. 

Many executives hesitate to make values-based strategic decisions because they can’t see the tangible benefits of this approach. But values such as sustainability and customer loyalty aren’t as “fluffy” as you might assume– you just have to look for the “submerged” or hidden value. Submerged value tends to exceed visible value when it comes to initiatives centering around community, social, environmental or employee-related factors. In fact, aligning your strategy with people-and-planet-centric values can yield a return on investment...