ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the evolution of capitalism and its variants − liberal, coordinated, and directed − assessing its capacity to foster human sustainability at work. The authors argue that no single model offers a panacea, but a composite approach could mitigate the cognitive overload experienced by employees. Liberal capitalism, characterized by innovation and market-driven efficiency, needs tempering to avoid excessive work demands and deprived work−life balance. Coordinated capitalism, prevalent in Europe, provides social welfare and labor market policies that support workers but may benefit from reduced bureaucratic complexity and enhanced adaptability. Directed capitalism, observed in Asian economies, offers strategic economic guidance from the state but could temper its hierarchical pressures. The synthesis of these models, under visionary public leadership, could balance the market’s dynamism, the benefits of coordination, and the stability of the state. By integrating the strengths of each for of capitalism, there’s potential to create a sustainable workplace guided by a leadership style attentive to the interdependence of economic vigor and employee welfare.
