Why I Like my Job

[mbarrick]

This is a quote from a speech delivered to the Vancouver Board of Trade by the CEO and co-owner of where I work:

I also believe that the some CEO’s absolute obsession with return to shareholders is very unfortunate. I am no social engineer but I do believe that companies that operate in BC’s public forests have a responsibility to the people of British Columbia. Those people include those who are part of First Nations and those who live in the small communities throughout British Columbia and who have a right to expect sustainability both in the forests and their communities.

I will close with a comment from David Packard, who founded Hewlett Packard. He said – "a company has a greater responsibility than making money for it's stock holders. We have a responsibility to our employees to recognize their dignity as human beings". I would add – "and to make certain that their communities are properly supported". Slavish devotion to share price and shareholder return is an unfortunate facet of today’s world. Profits are important but they aren’t everything. They should be an outcome – not a singular motivation.

You can go read the whole thing here.