ANN ARBOR, MI -- 09/23/09 --
A new breed of company is emerging that wants
to both make money and change society. These "hybrid organizations" and
their investments in sustainable business practices are explored in "Hybrid
Organizations: New Business Models for Environmental Leadership," a new
book by five graduates of The Erb Institute for Global Sustainable
Enterprise at the University of Michigan.
The book, available through Greenleaf Publishing, is a culmination of
masters' project work by the five authors, who earned dual MBA/MS degrees
from The Erb Institute, a joint program between the University of
Michigan's Ross School of Business and School of Natural Resources and
Environment. For "Hybrid Organizations," the authors -- Brewster Boyd, Nina
Henning, Emily Reyna, Daniel E. Wang and Matthew D. Welch (all class of '09
except Daniel Wang, class of '08) -- surveyed more than 100 companies to
uncover best practices in hybrid organizational strategy.
Hybrid organizations, which blur the distinction between nonprofit and
for-profit entities, are emerging as a compelling new area for business
scholars and strategists. Combining for-profit business orientation with a
deep commitment to social responsibility, these organizations can
contribute positively to some of humanity's most pressing challenges by
executing on business models that have values-based missions baked in.
The 170-page book reveals some surprising trends. For example, in relation
to the integration of business practices that enable companies to meet both
mission and market goals, hybrid organizations simultaneously offer
innovative products in niche markets; leverage patient capital to meet
non-financial objectives; and encourage shared authority rather than
top-down leadership styles. Although survey respondents show varying levels
of profitability, they maintain consistently high levels of environmental
sustainability integration throughout their organizations, the authors
found.
"'Hybrid Organizations' is a much-needed exploration of the first-movers in
this new and innovative market space," notes Andrew J. Hoffman, Holcim
(U.S.) Professor of Sustainable Enterprise and the advisor on this master's
project. "Following two years of intensive research and analysis, the
authors have created compelling case studies as well as lessons-learned
analysis to help companies assess the benefits and understand the pitfalls
of transitioning to a hybrid model. We are proud to have supported this
project. "
About the School of Natural Resources and Environment
The School of Natural Resources and Environment's overarching objective is
to contribute to the protection of the Earth's resources and the
achievement of a sustainable society. Through research, teaching and
outreach, faculty, staff and students are devoted to generating knowledge
and developing policies, techniques and skills to help practitioners manage
and conserve natural and environmental resources to meet the full range of
human needs on a sustainable basis.
http://www.snre.umich.edu/
About the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise
The institute's mission is to be the premier source of knowledge and
leadership for the achievement of environmentally, economically and
socially sustainable development and enterprise. To this end, the Institute
fosters professional education, public outreach and scientific scholarship
supportive of the transition to sustainability -- that is, meeting the
fundamental needs of a growing human population in an equitable manner
within the means of nature.
http://www.erb.umich.edu/default.htm
About Greenleaf Publishing
Greenleaf Publishing is a fully independent publisher specializing in
corporate responsibility, business ethics, environmental policy and
management, future business strategy and practice, and sustainable
development.
http://www.greenleaf-publishing.com
Media Contacts:
Meghan Gardner
Version 2.0 Communications
857-222-2864
Email Contact
Kevin Merrill
School of Natural Resources and Environment
734-417-7392
Email Contact
