Introduction: A Business Point of View

Abstract

History has taught us that the early years of a century are often tumultuous. The first decade of the twenty-first century is no exception – we are living in a time of change and deep crisis, whether we choose to face it or not. Though many would deny it, the current upheaval is much more than an economic crisis – it is a crisis of values, of our understanding of the world. Financial institutions have come to play such a prominent role in society that their strategies can change the lives of ordinary people. The fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 marked the beginning of a sea-change in society. From our vantage point as business school professors, we have seen a change in our course participants. Many say that we are partly to blame for producing the managers who brought us to where we are now. Up to a point, they are right. Thirty years ago, the people who got rich were the ones who worked hard, took risks starting companies, and really created value. In recent years, however, we have seen many get rich by unscrupulously gambling with other people’s money.