‘Reimagining capitalism’ in conversation with George Serafeim

Growing income inequality and environmental damage are challenging political systems and business credibility worldwide. Robust political responses based on strong social support are crucial to meeting these challenges, but action by the private sector will also be critically important.

How can we reimagine the way we measure performance, build governance structures, and allocate capital? Do environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues lead to superior or inferior economic outcomes? How can we measure corporate purpose and what are its implications? Building a new operating system for capital markets is already underway but significant challenges and obstacles exist because of cultural and technological reasons. Pathways forward are explored.

George Serafeim, Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, has been researching measuring, driving and communicating corporate performance and social impact, presenting his findings in over 60 countries around the world. He will join Oxford Saïd’s Professor Colin Mayer CBE (Firm Commitment, Prosperity) for what promises to be an insightful discussion about the future of capitalism.

Schedule

17:15 – Registration opens
17:45 – Event starts
18:45 – Drinks reception
19:45 – Close
The talk is open for anyone to attend, registration is essential so please use the register button to confirm your attendance.

About the speaker

George Serafeim is currently teaching the elective course “Reimagining Capitalism: Business and Big Problems” in the MBA curriculum at Harvard Business School, which received the Ideas Worth Teaching Award from the Aspen Institute and the Grand Page Prize.

Professor Serafeim’s research focuses on measuring, driving and communicating corporate performance and social impact. His work is widely cited and has been published in the most prestigious academic and practitioner journals, such as The Accounting Review, Strategic Management Journal and Journal of Accounting and Economics. His research is regularly cited in the media, including The New York Times, Bloomberg, Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, Economist, The Guardian, BBC, Le Monde, El País, Corriere della Sera, Washington Post, and NPR. He has received multiple awards and recognition for his research on corporate sustainability and sustainable investing, and the Pericles Leadership Award.

Professor Serafeim has also served in several not-for-profit organisations including the board of directors of the High Meadows Institute, the working group of the Coalition for Inclusive Capitalism, and the Standards Council of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board.