Book Description

The Industrial Revolution changed the way we do business at the turn of the century. The steam engine of Thomas Watt, changes to production, and the way we do business today were fundamentally changed in this time period. Now that place increasing emphasis on sustainability, we enter a new phase in business. The ecosystem presents itself as a complex combination of several different components. A complex food web is part of the overall ecosystem. It is fragile and needs to stay intact in order to make it work. Otherwise it will result in overpopulation or extinction of certain species. Environmental degradation is a problem that resulted from the changes during the Industrial Revolution. As the Global Footprint Network states, we are currently living above the biocapacity of our planet. If we keep using up resources at this pace, we are going to run out of them. Since the ecosystem provides natural resources, but also natural services, which regenerate renewable resources, we should give this system a chance. In order to understand the effects of sustainability on the economic system, it is important to identify, where the principles of sustainability apply. Renewable and nonrenewable resources will all eventually end in production and consumption. This is where changes would need to made. Knowledge and improvement on tools and processes is of vital importance. Recycling towards a re-use in production would greatly eliminate waste and pollution. In order to lead business towards a more sustainable future, the topic of leadership is essential for the debate. A leader needs to act responsible and use power wisely. Native Americans have been living in harmony with nature for centuries. This paper outlines the lessons we can learn from their culture and their beliefs. The Mesquaki settlement near Tama, IA decided to build a casino that brought a lot of wealth into an area that was considered on the decline. Their example demonstrates the economic aspect of sustainability. The Scared Hoop of the Lakota demonstrates the environmental and social connection to the overall concept. This hoop connects wind directions, animal, attitudes, virtues, and even stages in life. It is a very inclusive concept. Integration of Native Americans has always into the United States of today has always been difficult. Due to major cultural differences they were left out of society. As the United States are more masculine, meaning more assertive, and more focus on the individual, the integrative and communal thinking of Native Americans is creating major differences in understanding. What can we learn from the Native American way of live? Using resources wisely, eliminating waste, acting responsibly, a solid financial background, and a adequate world view can help to make business more sustainable for the future. If we incorporate the Native American believes of living in harmony with nature and respecting it, business is going to advance towards the ultimate goal, sustainability.