While an increasing number of businesses in America are in shambles, the term “business ethics” has become an oxymoron in the face of astounding corporate greed and corruption. In a new 30-minute documentary program on public television, William F. Baker, Executive-in-Residence at Columbia Business School and President Emeritus of WNET.ORG, parent company of public media providers THIRTEEN and WLIW21, leads a timely discussion about the future of American corporations and how they are redefining their approach to achieving success.
Business Ethics in the 21st Century, premiering Monday, December 22, 2008 at 7:30 pm on WLIW21 and Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 9:30 am on THIRTEEN, profiles businesses working toward the “triple bottom line”:
- making money
- helping society
- preserving the environment.
Through high-profile interviews, Baker, who recently hosted Leading With Kindness on public television, examines how corporations are integrating social and environmental concerns into their business strategies and finding ways to do well and to do good. “Globalization has changed the role of business ethics,” says Baker. “At the end of the day, it’s not enough to turn a profit. There’s a clear indication that to be successful, we must bring good business and character traits to the marketplace. We need to be responsible global citizens. And the next generation of business leaders get that.”
Interviews include Patrick Cescau, group chief executive of Unilever, Jay Ireland, president and CEO of GE Asset Management, William George, professor of management practice at Harvard Business School and author of “Finding Your True North” and Glenn Hubbard, dean of Columbia Business School.
A WLIW21 production in partnership with Columbia Business School. Executive Producer: Roy A. Hammond. Writer/Producer: Theresa Statz-Smith. Major funding for this program was provided by The David M. Milton Charitable Trust. Additional funding was given by Ronnie and Larry Ackman, The Betsy & Jesse Fink Foundation in honor of Helen and Milton Fink, and Mark Gallogly & Lise Strickler. ST and CC.
