Transforming Corporate Giants for Profit and Social Good

Is a company ever too large to change in fundamental ways? How can giant supertanker-sized entities like IBM and Procter & Gamble turn fast enough in the water to create new futures for themselves and society at large?

Harvard Business School professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter tackles these questions in an upcoming book tentatively titled, Super Corp.: How Vanguard Companies Create Innovation, Profit, Growth and Social Good.

In a recently posted video, Kanter discusses her research with the help of panelists Ann Moore, chairman and chief executive officer, Time Inc., and Daniel Vasella, chairman and CEO, Novartis.
Large companies have large responsibilities beyond sustaining profit, she says. Accomplishing this "noble purpose" includes aligning corporate goals with the public good, influencing policy making in ways that help both public and private sectors, and motivating employees to make positive change in their communities.

"Having a noble purpose energizes even mundane work," says Kanter.