Shared Value Insights from Nestle’s Janet Voûte
A series of four brief interviews from leading executives on the role of shared value in their organizations.
In the face of complex global issues and societal needs, many companies are turning to shared value, a practice that seeks business opportunity in solving social problems. FSG interviewed leaders in various fields to gain a wider perspective on shared value practices. The result is a series of five minute interviews that provide insight on creating shared value from the corporate, non-profit, and investor perspective.
“[Nestlé’s commitment to shared value] starts in the CEO and Chairman’s office. Their commitment to shared value is undeniable but it goes all the way down to the agronomist in Northern Ghana who is teaching maize farmers better farming practices,” Janet says. Creating shared value is part of Nestlé’s DNA— the strategy of the world’s largest food and beverage company focuses on three issues that are intimately linked to its business model: nutrition, water, and rural development. Janet invites other companies to proactively look for those opportunities to create business value by addressing social needs that are specific to each company and its business. She adds that shared value is different - it is different from other ways in which businesses engage with society such as philanthropy or CSR precisely because it directly links creating value for society with business growth and innovation. Watch the short video below and leave your comments on our blog.
For more information on shared value and the Shared Value Initiative, visit FSG’s shared value approach page or contact Justin Bakule at justin.bakule@fsg.org.
