At RoundMap®, our journey towards creating shared value was deeply inspired by the groundbreaking ideas presented in Michael Porter’s influential article, “The Big Idea: Creating Shared Value,” published in the Harvard Business Review. Porter’s concept redefined the role of business in society, urging companies to move beyond profit maximization and instead focus on creating economic value in a way that also produces value for society by addressing its challenges.
What is Shared Value?
- Reconceive Products and Markets: Develop products and services that meet societal needs while opening up new markets.
- Redefine Productivity in the Value Chain: Improve operational efficiencies by addressing societal issues, such as resource use, employee well-being, and supply chain practices.
- Build Local Clusters: Strengthen the communities in which companies operate, enhancing productivity and innovation.
What is a Shared Value Network?
A Shared Value Network is more than a platform for discussing and understanding shared value; it is a dynamic ecosystem designed to inspire, connect, and empower organizations to build a better future collectively. At its core, the Shared Value Network seeks to transcend traditional problem-solving approaches, which focus primarily on mitigating negative impacts. Instead, we champion a transformative mindset that prioritizes what is possible, not merely what is problematic.
This shift is essential because conventional approaches like CSR or ESG often center around compliance—doing the minimum to reduce harm. While necessary, these methods typically focus on optimizing current practices rather than envisioning and creating a fundamentally better way of doing business. This reactive stance looks backward, addressing past shortcomings rather than proactively designing a positive future.
The Shared Value Network, aligned with RoundMap’s principles, advocates for strategically aligning strengths. By identifying and leveraging organizational and collective strengths, businesses can render weaknesses irrelevant and drive forward-thinking strategies that are not just profit-driven but purpose-driven. We aim to foster sustainable, equitable growth that benefits all stakeholders—businesses, communities, and the environment alike.
At the heart of this endeavor is the concept of developing Shared Value Networth—an expanded understanding of value that transcends traditional financial metrics. Shared Value Networth encompasses the collective worth created through strategic collaborations, interconnected actions, and the synergistic efforts of businesses, industries, and communities. It’s about building networks of value where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, unlocking new opportunities for shared prosperity.
We believe that by connecting companies, industries, and educational institutions in collaborative networks, we can amplify positive impact. The Shared Value Network is a space where suppliers, manufacturers, and all parts of the value chain can work together to create shared value within their operations and enhance the overall value they contribute to society. This collaboration extends beyond individual businesses to encompass supply chains, sectors, and industries, building a robust, interconnected system of positive impact.
This network is about unlocking human potential and breaking silos, encouraging a shift from linear, compliance-based thinking to a cyclical, opportunity-oriented approach. It’s about envisioning and implementing strategies that align strengths to support a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all.
Join the Shared Value Network
Inspired by these ideas, we established the Shared Value Network on LinkedIn to create a space for leaders, innovators, and change-makers to explore and implement an alignment of shared value strategies. Our goal is to cultivate a community that champions the integration of business success with positive societal impact, driven by the belief that businesses can—and should—be a force for good.
In this group, we aim to:
- Foster Dialogue: Engage in meaningful discussions around shared value, exploring real-world examples and strategies.
- Build Connections: Connect with like-minded professionals committed to driving systemic change through shared value.
- Share Insights and Resources: Provide access to tools, frameworks, and thought leadership that inspire and support shared value initiatives.
As we embark on this journey, we invite you to join us in the Shared Value Network. Together, we can redefine what it means to lead in business, driving collective success for a more sustainable and equitable world.
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