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Over the past several years GSK has strengthened the role of purpose within its business strategy and day to day operations. Sally Jackson from GSK shares insights on how to define and embed authentic purpose and reflects on how prioritisation is essential for transformational change.

It’s fair to say I believe that, despite all its considerable limitations, capitalism is the least bad economic system around. But I also agree strongly with Martin Wolf, who wrote a piece[1] in the Financial Times on 11th December 2018 with the view that businesses, which only pursue profits lead to dire outcomes.

There is much talk about purpose, sustainability and business as “a force for good”, but is it for real or just rhetoric? ​In the build up towards BFPOx2019, Business Fights Poverty Founder, Zahid Torres-Rahman and Challenge Director Vittorio Cerulli reflect on the where the conversation around business purpose has got to, and where it needs to go next.

Many organisations, big and small, put a lot of work into discovering their Purpose and crafting their Purpose Statement. They’re also defining or refining their Values, as a star chart to guide the positive evolution of their culture. Done thoroughly and inclusively, this is critically important work.

Purpose matters. But if it’s to deliver on its promises, purpose must be authentic, strategic and lived throughout the organisation. How can businesses avoid paying lip service to purpose, and instead harness its power to drive transformational change?​

How can business respond to the expectations of millennials, as they pioneer new styles of leadership, push for greater equality and diversity in the workplace, and have an increasingly holistic view on business performance?​