Blog #5 Shared Value

During my time in the MBA program, I have come to prefer companies who understand and pursue Shared Value. Coming into Tepper, I was so excited to transition from unknown startups to big-name tech companies. Facebook, Instagram, Google and Adobe were at the top of my list. I was drawn to their brand and their “values” of flexibility, collaboration, and innovation. Though I was able to interview with them, I ultimately did not receive internship offers.  Instead I spent a transformative summer at Walmart. I got to learn about the heritage culture that instilled real values for the communities that they serve. Since then, I returned to my second year of business school with a new caliber of target companies. I knew I wanted a company that not only serve their customers, but also make their communities better for being there. 

I agree with most points Porter makes on companies’ responsibility to take the lead in bringing business and society together. I’ve pursued a career in business because I think it is the most effective way (in terms of speed, power and money) to create positive change in society and the world. Governments are often too slow. Nonprofits often lack resources. Further, Porter’s contrast between shared values and social responsibility shed light on the economic mindset shift that needs to take place in order for such a change to be realized.  

This article expanded my perspective on where “social good” sits in an organization. I chose marketing as my business specialty because I want to be a liaison - advocating for customers and understanding them so that the company can deliver relevant value and grow. I thought marketing was the best place to have not only a pulse on culture, but also a positive impact on it through increased communication and product direction. But, that is just 1 out of the 3 key ways to create shared value. The farming example about fair trade vs improving growing techniques did a great job of convincing me how an operations professional might have a similar impact by redefining productivity in the value chain through suppliers. 

I feel I have come a long way from being easily swayed to work for the next “promising” company. Now I am less attracted by what my peers or next employer might think is the “coolest” company, and more attracted to companies that align with my vision to see value delivered - economically and socially. This article provides a framework to identify companies with shared values, which are the companies I prefer to pursue in my career. Companies like Walmart, Microsoft, and Samsung have now surfaced to the top of my target list.