ABSTRACT
This chapter states that for a leadership of integrity there needs to be a culture of trust. The author outlines five pillars of trust— integrity itself, sustainability, purpose, stewardship and cooperation—gleaned from the case stories in the book. The chapter tells the integrity stories of Mumbai businessman Vivek Asrani, including his stance against corruption; the whistleblower Genevieve Boast; and the Anglo-Swiss IT entrepreneur Jane Royston. The chapter quotes the Swedish businessman Goran Carstedt, former board member of IKEA, on sustainability issues, and case stories of sustainability in Indian industries, such as Mahindra & Mahindra. The chapter quotes Cass Business School’s emphasis on corporate purpose, under its “corporate governance for a sustainable world” programme. And it quotes Unilever’s emphasis on defining a purpose for its products under its Sustainable Living Plan. Under Stewardship, the chapter reports the Japanese experience of the longevity of some of its companies over centuries. Under Cooperation the author quotes the New England farmers who developed Ocean Spray cranberry products, and the US-based slate mining engineer who built cooperation with China. The chapter concludes that the five pillars of trust make sound business sense. They pay dividends, even though that is not their primary purpose.
