Conscious business

Conscious business enterprises and people (sometimes referred to as conscious capitalism) are those that choose to follow a business strategy, in which they seek to benefit both human beings and the environment. The conscious business movement in the US emerged from the theory of corporate social responsibility, which pushes for a 'values-based' approach where values represent social and environmental concerns both locally and globally. This effort is related to not-just-for-profit business models, conscious consumerism, and socially responsible investing. Conscious business enterprises and people (sometimes referred to as conscious capitalism) are those that choose to follow a business strategy, in which they seek to benefit both human beings and the environment. The conscious business movement in the US emerged from the theory of corporate social responsibility, which pushes for a 'values-based' approach where values represent social and environmental concerns both locally and globally. This effort is related to not-just-for-profit business models, conscious consumerism, and socially responsible investing. There is an alternative way of thinking about conscious business emerging in the UK, and perhaps other countries, which tries to avoid reification, regarding it less as a thing or a type of business which can be categorised, and more as an ongoing process including awareness, self-awareness, awareness of purpose, practice (social theory) and relationships. It is generally agreed upon that the product or service of a conscious business should not be intrinsically harmful to humans or the environment. However, it is possible for such a business to be taking part in the conscious business movement if it is taking conscious steps to be more aware of its social and environmental effects, and to adopt more beneficial social or environmental practices. Most conscious businesses subscribe to a Triple Bottom Line model of success. They aim to provide positive value in the domains of people, planet, and profit. This is what distinguishes the entity as a business from the general social enterprise. The degree of understanding or 'consciousness' of any conflict of interest between the profit motive and social goods varies widely from the standard sloganeering capital accumulating firm ('don't be evil') to those who seek nothing more than break-even to pay for their operations, are completely employee owned, etc.. A conscious business seeks to benefit both the external livelihood as well as the internal lives of its shareholders and employees. Furthermore, the business seeks to benefit all stakeholders including manufacturers, affected communities, and humanity at large. Some trends in conscious business which have arisen out of these efforts include: