Businesses can be agents of social change

THIS WEEK'S TOPIC: Should businesses take a stand on socio-political matters? To what extent should they speak out on issues that are important to society?

David Emery Chairman Reciprocus International Pte Ltd

Throughout history, businesses have been a vehicle for human ingenuity and enterprise to create knowledge, goods and services that have led to the prosperity we enjoy in the developed world. Thus, companies are not and should not be operating in isolation, solely representing the interest of shareholders, but should be an integral part of the society, together with governments and citizens and all other stakeholders. It is then only right if businesses take a stand and engage in constructive dialogue on important socio-political matters.