The current financial crisis has deep macroeconomic roots, but the dominant view of the firm has made the crisis deeper and more devastating. Over the past few decades, maximizing shareholder value has become the main objective of the firm. Chief executives have been keen on this objective because their economic incentives have been clearly associated with stock market performance. Unfortunately, this has driven many CEOs to make terrible decisions based on short-termism and greed. In this way, the firm has become the object of anger, criticism and cynicism. In Building Respected Companies, Jordi Canals argues that we must address this problem by developing companies that serve society, not just their shareholders. This requires a new perspective of what a firm is, what the purpose of the firm in society should be and what the role of the board of directors and senior executives should be.

Develops a new perspective on the firm and business leadership whereby companies serve society, not just their shareholders.

Capable Company provides the “Rosetta Stone” executives have been seeking: a systematic way to translate strategy into action. Gives executives a systematic way to translate strategy into action. Helps companies to develop the capabilities that make strategy work. Assembles best-practice strategy execution methods from some of the world’s most highly-respected companies into a simple step-by-step process. Enables leaders at all levels to rapidly focus and align their actions, even as business conditions change. Packed with models, key points, practical examples, case studies, self-assessment techniques and templates.

Gold Medal Winner, Human Resources and Employee Training, 2012 Axiom Business Book Awards Trust, Pride and Camaraderie—transform your company into a "Great Place to Work" The Great Place to Work Institute develops the annual ranking of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For. In this book, the authors explore the model of a Great Place to Work For-one which fosters employee trust, pride in what they do, and enjoyment in the people they work with. They answer the fundamental question, "What is the business value of creating a great workplace?" and brings the definition of a Great Place to work alive with anecdotes, best practices, and quotes from employees working at the best workplaces in the U.S. Reveals the essential ingredients in and the trends of the best places to work Explores Great Place to Work model developed in 1984 and validated through its enduring resonance in both the United States and in over 40 countries around the world Written by Michael Burchell and Jennifer Robin two Great Place to Work Institute Insiders If you organization is struggling with the challenges of leveraging human capital, discover why some companies have what it takes to be great.

Brand Admiration uses deep research on consumer psychology, marketing, consumer engagement and communication to develop a powerful, integrated perspective and innovative approach to brand management. Using numerous real-world examples and backed by research from top notch academics, this book describes how companies can turn a product, service, corporate, person or place brand into one that customers love, trust and respect; in short, how to make a brand admired. The result? Greater brand loyalty, stronger brand advocacy, and higher brand equity. Admired brands grow more revenue in a more efficient way over a longer period of time and with more opportunities for growth. The real power of Brand Admiration is that it provides concrete, actionable guidance on how brand managers can make customers (and employees) admire a brand. Admired brands don't just do the job; they offer exactly what customers need (enabling benefits), in way that's pleasing, fun, interesting, and emotionally involving (enticing benefits), while making people feel good about themselves (enriching benefits). Providing these benefits, called 3 Es, is foundational to building , strengthening and leveraging brand admiration. In addition, the authors articulate a common-sense and action based measure of brand equity, and they develop dashboard metrics to diagnose if there are any 'canaries in the coal mine', and if so, what to do next. In short, Brand Admiration provides a coherent, cohesive approach to helping the brand stand the test of time. A well-designed, well-managed brand becomes a part of the public consciousness, and ultimately, a part of the culture. This trajectory is the fruit of decisions made from an integrated strategic standpoint. This book shows you how to shift the process for your brand, with practical guidance and an analytical approach.

"Fresh, provocative, and powerful. Had I read this book before Istarted building a company of my own, it would have saved me agreat deal of time and pain."-Sam Hill, President, HeliosConsulting, Coauthor, Radical Marketing and The InfiniteAsset "In this insane world of ephemeral company loyalty and revolvingdoors to top positions, Stan Richards has clearly outlinedexceedingly sane ways for any company to retain star performers bycreating an environment that fundamentally rejects officepolitics."-Dick Hammill, Senior Vice President, Marketing andAdvertising, The Home Depot "For the three decades during which I was building Mullen, my herowasn't in New York-he was in Dallas. Stan Richards built aquintessentially creative agency from the uncommon clay of courage,generosity, common sense, loyalty, and integrity. If you'd like tobe famous, respected, loved, and rich, here's the manual."-JimMullen, Founder, Mullen Advertising "Keeping the creative spirit alive with every member of your teamas your company grows should be your highest priority. ThePeaceable Kingdom clearly describes how to keep the spirit aliveand how to encourage every member of the team to constantly focuson improving the company and its services every day."-H. RossPerot The Peaceable Kingdom is a story like no other-one that reveals howa company that admittedly refers to itself as strange and oddnevertheless became one of the most closely watched, respected, andprofitable businesses in the advertising industry. This eye-openingbook takes you inside the doors of The Richards Group, whichmanaged to survive and prosper in this cutthroat business bydefying many truisms not only for ad agencies but for businesses ingeneral. Company founder Stan Richards, along with David Culp,unveils how unconventional methods and a willingness to break downbarriers earned them an A client list including Nokia, Home Depot,Motel 6, Fruit of the Loom, Corona, and Chick-fil-A. Read The Peaceable Kingdom and see how your company-no matter theindustry-can follow in their footsteps and build a more harmonious,productive, and prosperous business.