Is a Genuine Mindset Shift Possible in Corporate Management? A Review of Judy Samuelson's Book "The Six New Rules of Business"

Abstract

Today, we are witnessing a mindset shift in an increasing number of areas within the business world. Maximizing growth is becoming less and less effective; instead, companies and their stakeholders (investors, employees, partners) are turning toward new goals. Elements that the business world previously neglected, such as sustainability and social impact, are coming to the forefront. The six new business rules formulated by Judy Samuelson are not fundamental theorems or rigid business laws, but rather a shift in perspective. Although a specific rule or its underlying explanation might sometimes seem too American—leaving us thinking, "Okay, this might work for publicly traded U.S. companies, but what is a Hungarian medium-sized enterprise supposed to do with it?"—if we look at the underlying shift in attitude, we can find useful and thought-provoking ideas for any Hungarian or Central European entrepreneur. The domestic corporate sector needs to change in order to catch up with Europe in terms of competitiveness. And change starts first with altering our mindset; everything else—planning, investment, innovation—only comes after. This book helps us understand this new way of thinking.