Posted by Bruce Bourgoine who blogs at
Kennebec Blues and Dirigo Blue.
When the town clerk cannot handle an item or when standing in line at license registration or arguing about fed deficits, one is bound to hear a low muttered growl that "Gov’mint ought to run like a Bees-nest". But never after dealing with a clueless big box employee or filling out a convoluted insurance claim form or witnessing the outright theft of our 401Ks do we perceive an echo of the opposite sentiment.
Businesses with more worker participation at all levels or a dose of workplace democracy would be better connected with goals and care more about outcomes.
Corporations that shared power beyond self serving boards could place real limits on executive power and enable several "branches of business governance" to check and balance each other.
Long range planning for sustainable and rational objectives would serve companies better than the wild quarter to quarter grow-at-any-cost unsustainable roller coaster. Like government, businesses could proceed more deliberatively
Employee opinions could really count. Due process for employees would be the norm. Employee career satisfaction would increase productivity.
Businesses operating with fewer closed doors and under a "freedom of information" regiment would be less inclined to break the law, mistreat employees, or rip off consumers.
And instead of the only mantra being chanted; "Profits, profits, profits", companies would benefit society by having multiple missions and moral commitments.