Cambridge Business Association
The Value of Values
Book

The Value of Values

How Leaders Can Grow Their Businesses and Enhance Their Careers by Doing the Right Thing

Daniel Aronson
MIT Press, 2024
First Edition: 2024
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Recommendation

Many executives see values-driven initiatives, such as sustainability pledges, as a waste of money. But, as Daniel Aronson argues, integrating values into your business functions is vital to your competitive survival. It’s time to acknowledge the notion that “values are a cost” is a fallacy, Aronson writes. In truth, there’s a strong business case for “doing the right thing.” Learn why integrating your values into every business decision, policy and product can keep you competitive in a complex and uncertain global marketplace while also helping both people and the planet.

Summary

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...

About the Author

Daniel Aronson is the founder of Valutus, a company helping people create value through responsibility and sustainability.

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