New book looks at trust and integrity in the global economy.

A new book by journalist and author Michael Smith looks at Trust and integrity in the global economy. Subtitled Stories of people making a difference, the book gives 16 case studies of entrepreneurs, business people, farmers and charity workers whose motives have gone beyond the bottom line. The final chapter looks at ‘Eight steps towards a values-centred leadership’. The book is launched at a global business conference, organized by Caux Initiatives for Business, in Panchgani, India, in November 2007.

‘What are the great issues that confront the generation growing up in the foothills of the 21st century?’ Smith poses. ‘Some of today’s generation will determine to change things. They will scale the Himalayan heights to create an alternative future. What does it mean to have a calling—to give one’s life for a great cause? What are the implications? The stories in this book, taken largely from the entrepreneurial field, serve as illustrations of such a determination to make a difference, to change the world… I wanted to present the stories in this book in the hope that they would be a source of inspiration to others.’

Smith tells the stories of entrepreneurs, farmers and others who have changed the conditions of the communities and countries where they serve. What motivation and leadership skills do they show? And what are their core ethical and spiritual values? In telling their stories, Smith sets out to answer these questions.

In his Foreword, Mohamed Sahnoun, President of Initiatives of Change International and a Special Advisor to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, writes: ‘I am glad that Michael Smith has brought together this collection of stories. They illustrate how economic and social entrepreneurs, public sector service providers, farmers, educators, charity workers and society activists play their part in helping to meet the UN’s Millennium Development Goals… These stories speak of care and selflessness, the courageous stance against corruption and deep concern for the environment. I am therefore very happy to commend highly this useful book.’

Stephen B Young, Global Executive Director of the Caux Round Table group of senior executives, adds: ‘Michael Smith has written an important book... His conclusions as to what it takes to make a difference are reassuring because the skills he finds necessary are readily at hand for all of us.’

The 124-page book retails in the UK at £5.99 plus postage. Copies are available from Caux Initiatives for Business, 24 Greencoat Place, London SW1P 1RD, UK. Please make payable to Initiatives of Change.