Doing good is better business

The notion that sustainability and profits sit at odds is a stale one. At a time of conscious consumption and responsible investing, doing good and doing well not only go hand in hand, they are also mutually reinforcing. “Financial markets are well aware that companies with strong ESG – environmental, social and governance – characteristics tend to be better performing,” observes Wailes. “Increasingly, organisations understand that their role in society means they must manage for the long term, ensuring that they make a profit, certainly, but not at the expense of society – and that instead they need to be working to enhance the world around them.” Adhering to the principles of responsible management when the going gets tough isn’t easy. “It’s about keeping ‘fault lines’ top of mind, being aware of the challenges, complexity and uncertainty you’ll face in all facets of business,” says Roberts. Effective problem-solving requires looking through different lenses. “We showcase executives wrestling with a variety of issues and we give them examples of role models. It helps to ask good questions,” she says. “Real insights often come through understanding multiple perspectives – these are the skills you need at every stage of a leadership career.” AGSM partners with The Ethics Centre to use its ViewFinder framework. “It helps students see that the way they traditionally view a particular situation is just one way of approaching it.”