How can companies stay mission-focused
How can companies stay mission-focused without being sidetracked by short-term shareholder interests?
In this op-ed for L'Echo, Nicholas Vijverman from De Vrijdaggroep - Groupe du Vendredi discusses the rise of steward-ownership, a sustainable and forward-looking business model.
Can we really expect companies to stay focused on their positive impact over the long term? Steward-ownership is perhaps the ultimate safeguard against mission drift, embedding (1) self-governance and (2) mission-driven profit allocation into a company’s legal framework. The impact is substantial.
Ownership plays a critical role in ensuring that a company can pursue its social goals sustainably. Steward-ownership puts control in the hands of stewards aligned with the company’s mission rather than shareholders with purely financial interests.
By strengthening the legal framework and financing options for steward-ownership, Belgium can support companies that are truly dedicated to creating impact. The concept has already gained significant traction in Germany and the Netherlands, setting an inspiring example for others to follow.