Fortune: Why a year later, the Business Roundtable’s updated statement of purpose is more relevant than ever
In 2019, nearly 200 top U.S. business leaders redefined the purpose of a corporation—not just to serve shareholders, but to uplift all stakeholders, including employees, communities, and future generations. But as 2020 unfolded—with a global pandemic and a national reckoning on racial injustice—this promise was put to the test.
In a Fortune op-ed, Rick Shadyac argues that this bold commitment is more vital than ever. He calls on corporate America to resist retreating to short-term profit thinking and to partner meaningfully with nonprofits for lasting impact. Studies show consumers and job seekers alike are moved by purpose-driven work, and Shadyac urges companies to stay the course—not for optics, but for a better future.
