In the last few weeks I have been working intensively on the Economy for the common good (Ecogood). With every conversation I have with people from my surroundings, my conviction increases: An economy based on this way of thinking is a the way forward. In order to be able to do business together, with joy and with consideration for the environment. This is exactly what distinguishes sustainability. What were the questions I asked myself?
Does the economy have to grow constantly? Is it right that corporations have to make more and more profit in order to increase or maintain their market value? And firing people causes share prices to rise? How does “good” work work? Shouldn’t the economy serve to meet our needs as human beings? To feed us, to make our lives easier, to be able to develop ourselves, and all this in a sustainable way? Without destroying and exploiting the environment?
Answers of the Economy for the Common Good
I have found many answers to these questions in the Economy for the Common Good. Circular Economy, i.e. creating products in such a way that they do not become waste, is an important aspect for me, which is also illustrated there. In addition to this, there are other aspects along the circular value chain that should be considered for ecological sustainability. An important value in the company is transparency and co-determination, which I have been conveying in my project management training and consulting for quite some time now. Project management structures are needed that define clear roles and principles and clarify decision-making powers. Decisions should be delegated to the level of individuals or teams where the decision can best be made. Teamwork according to agile procedures ensures motivation and quick reaction time, because transparency exists and co-determination is actively implemented.
I was also attracted by the values of human dignity, solidarity and social justice, which for me fit the terms collaboration and cooperation. Because I believe that organisations are only successful in the long term if they work together. With suppliers, sponsors, employees and customers, so that together we can be economically successful with basic ethical principles. Get out of the “win-lose” trap in which today’s economy is trapped. Why does someone else, for example
- the supplier who gets paid less
- the employee who has to work for a lower wage than others
- the overcharged customer
to pay me to increase my profits? Isn’t it possible to have fair prices that ensure good business for everyone? Fortunately, there are some examples of companies that operate in this way – some have already joined the movement of the common good economy, others pursue values without being aware of them. For them it is a matter of course to think and act cooperatively.
Workshop series – Common Good Matrix as a tool for sustainability
From May on we will conduct a series of workshops for the regional group of the Ecogood in Vienna, for organisations that can commit themselves to these values. To what extent these can be implemented, we will look at the aspects involved. We will bring the examples from successful Ecogood companies, the participants will bring their own ways and exchange ideas so that everyone can find ways to implement more. For the benefit of the common good – from the employees to the owners to suppliers, customers and society.