The collaborative enterprise framework

This chapter aims to explore collaborative ways of doing business where enterprises seek to build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with all stakeholders and want to produce sustainable values for their whole business ecosystems. Based on the arguments developed by the Group of Lisbon, chaired by Riccardo Petrella, and the late London Business School professor Sumantra Ghoshal, we criticize the one-dimensional pursuit of competitiveness of contemporary business. We think that the exclusive focus on monetary results (especially short-term shareholder value) is detrimental for nature, society and future generations, and finally for business itself. The strength and sustainability of enterprises come from their ability to fit into the environmental, social and cultural context in which they function. By creating values for all stakeholders, enterprises can involve them and gain deep support based on their commitment. This may lead to superior performance from a multiple bottom line perspective.