ABSTRACT
The art of 'momentary coincidences' was highlighted in work on partnerships with Ros Tennyson and others from the International Business Leaders Forum, published as Endearing Myths, Enduring Truths by the World Bank-facilitated Business Partners for Development initiative. As partnerships have mainstreamed, similarly the limits of 'momentary coincidences' have become more apparent, raising concerns in many quarters as to their impacts. The chapter describes 'work in progress'—a serious intellectual enterprise waiting to be done that explores the impact of ideas in transforming the role of business and economy in the 21st century. The role of business in society has always been the subject of public debate, policy and practice. The alchemy of success certainly needs practitioners to take advantage of opportunism and innovation through leadership practice, as popular thinking about 'tipping points' makes clear. The instinct and practice on the part of much of the business community is to continue to profit through the irresponsible externalisation of social and environmental costs.
