‘Building world class businesses’ looks at the debate around the role of the company in society and considers the argument for a long-term approach.

Today’s volatile economic climate has focused this debate and commentators are identifying severe faults in the prevailing corporate governance and philosophy.

One theme permeates much of the discussion: a condemnation of short-termism and the promotion of long-term thinking. However, shifting gears and acting suddenly in the long-term interest is not straightforward and raises many questions.

This report discusses how to manage the interplay between short and long-term thinking, the role of government and regulation and whether long-term approaches by companies best serve the public interest. It also examines the practical considerations of pushing forward a long-term view and the good organisational practice that will help to navigate the present without compromising the future, including case studies, practical tools and advice.