James J. Kennelly - Böcker

This study represents a rare empirical test of the assertions of critics of multinational corporations (MNCs), who argue that firm-level social and environmental performance suffers as MNCs grow increasingly mobile and subject to the short-term financial demands of institutional investors. Such critics argue that 'footloose' and 'stateless' MNCs have not only divorced themselves from a particular sense of responsibility to their home countries, but have also fallen increasingly under the sway of the 'myopic' demands of institutional investors.Using multiple regression analysis, the study considered the impact of various levels of multinationality and institutional ownership on the social and environmental performance of US-based manufacturing companies. Based on this empirical analysis, the radical critique of MNCs was not supported. Rather, the level of multinationality of firms was positively associated with social and environmental performance in the home country. This is a far cry from the demonized view of MNCs proffered by the critics. These findings suggest the possibility that MNCs may even have a positive influence on the development of a global economy that is consistent with the values and intent of vision of sustainable development. Ultimately, the study suggest that at a minimum, more attention should be paid to utilizing talents and competencies of MNCs in support of furthering positive social and environmental agendas.(Ph.D. dissertation, New York University, 1996; revised with new preface and index)

This study represents a rare empirical test of the assertions of critics of multinational corporations (MNCs), who argue that firm-level social and environmental performance suffers as MNCs grow increasingly mobile and subject to the short-term financial demands of institutional investors. Such critics argue that 'footloose' and 'stateless' MNCs have not only divorced themselves from a particular sense of responsibility to their home countries, but have also fallen increasingly under the sway of the 'myopic' demands of institutional investors.Using multiple regression analysis, the study considered the impact of various levels of multinationality and institutional ownership on the social and environmental performance of US-based manufacturing companies. Based on this empirical analysis, the radical critique of MNCs was not supported. Rather, the level of multinationality of firms was positively associated with social and environmental performance in the home country. This is a far cry from the demonized view of MNCs proffered by the critics. These findings suggest the possibility that MNCs may even have a positive influence on the development of a global economy that is consistent with the values and intent of vision of sustainable development. Ultimately, the study suggest that at a minimum, more attention should be paid to utilizing talents and competencies of MNCs in support of furthering positive social and environmental agendas.(Ph.D. dissertation, New York University, 1996; revised with new preface and index)

What is the primary purpose of business? The standard answer is `making profits,’ but some visionary entrepreneurs and leaders fundamentally disagree. Instead of just making money, they choose instead to “dig deeper” and make a difference through creating real value – improving the lives of others even as they find deeper meaning in their own. These leaders build enterprises that provide identity and a sense of purpose, create positive relationships and a place to learn and thrive, embed sustainability in all that they do, and strive to improve the quality of life of all of their stakeholders. Although not their primary focus, they also make healthy profits, as their unique approach to value creation provides them with a sustainable competitive edge.Digging Deeper is a book full of inspiring stories that illustrate that there is an alternative to a myopic and narrow capitalism that trades in inequalities, exploitation, collective burnout and negative consequences for our shared natural environment. Remarkable examples from all over the world vividly demonstrate how enterprises can create real value through focusing on what the authors call the 6 Ls: long-term orientation, lasting relationships, local roots, limits recognition, developing a learning community and taking leadership responsibility seriously in its very best sense.Digging Deeper liberates the term “value” from the tight chains in which the global financial community has bound it and demonstrates that businesses can contribute to a better life for all ‒ if their leaders can go beyond viewing enterprises as single-purpose money-making machines and develop purpose-driven enterprises that create real value for all.