Building a social economy based on human values

the Business Hippie Way

The time has come to rethink our economic systems. As discussed in The Decline of Religion: A New Search for Meaning and The Rise of Societal Refugees, people are seeking more than just financial stability—they’re looking for purpose, meaning, and connection. Our current profit-driven economy often neglects the deeper needs of society and the environment. To address this, we must shift towards a social economy that is built on human values, where profit serves people, purpose, and the planet.

Shift to different values

We’re moving away from a production era and profit-oriented economy, where the shareholder value system has long dominated. This outdated model neglects the negative impact it has on climate and society, focusing narrowly on financial returns. The more recently adopted shared value system tries to balance business priorities with social responsibility by "doing good" to offset negative impacts, but it still places profit first.

What we truly need now is a social economic system where business does not hinder, but actively accelerates the transition from profit-driven goals to purpose-oriented initiatives. This shift calls for an economy where every business decision aligns with social and environmental values, driving meaningful change.

The foundation of a human-centered economy

A social economy based on human values doesn’t simply modify existing practices; it reimagines the economy's purpose. Instead of prioritizing financial gain above all else, this approach seeks to balance economic activity with social and environmental responsibility. At its core are six guiding principles that reflect the Business Hippie Club’s philosophy:

1. Human – Values We are only human, and intangibles like respect and trust are what truly drive business value. An economy built on human values ensures that businesses prioritize people over profits, recognizing that relationships and well-being are essential components of success.
2. Economic – Purpose Business should be about more than just generating profit; it should share a purpose that benefits society. When companies place purpose at the center of their strategy, they can create long-term value that goes beyond financial returns.
3. Social – Balance Power lies within all of us and achieving balance means creating cultures where talent thrives. A social economy places cultural transformation and individual empowerment at the forefront, recognizing that people are the most valuable resource.
4. Technologic – Co-Creation Technology is here to help us, not control us. Embracing co-creation in technological development enables us to leverage digital tools for societal good. This collaborative approach ensures that technological advancements are used to address shared challenges.
5. Ecologic – Responsibility Our ecosystem is our responsibility—it’s not someone else’s problem to solve. Businesses must adopt practices that prioritize environmental sustainability and acknowledge that our actions today will impact future generations.
6. Political – Transparency A living society is one in which everyone contributes, and transparency is key to a fair political system. Businesses have a role to play in advocating for transparency and integrity in governance, ensuring that economic policies support the well-being of all citizens.

Why it matters now

The urgency to shift towards a value-driven economy has never been clearer. With increasing social inequalities, environmental crises, and a disconnect from traditional institutions, our current economic model falls short. Recent studies indicate that companies with strong commitments to social and environmental goals outperform their peers financially, with 14% higher productivity and increased employee satisfaction.

This isn’t just a trend. It’s a response to the shifting expectations of society, where 88% of consumers prefer brands that support sustainability and ethical practices. We need an economy where profit and purpose are not competing priorities but complementary forces driving us forward.

Collaborating across stakeholders for real progress

Our society consists of three primary stakeholders: Individuals, Entrepreneurs, and (government) Officials. Each has unique goals and methods, but they don’t operate in isolation. These stakeholders influence one another, and true progress requires their collaboration. To achieve meaningful change, we must align our efforts, look beyond our individual interests, and combine our strengths. The urgency to act is shared, and the potential impact is multiplied when we work together.

The path to a value-based economy

To truly integrate human values into the economy, we must go beyond surface-level gestures and take actions that address systemic issues. Here’s how we can bring this vision to life:

1. Redefine Success Beyond Profits The definition of success needs to evolve to include social impact, environmental stewardship, and employee well-being. Companies like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s demonstrate that purpose-driven models can generate both profit and positive societal change.
2. Embrace Co-Creation and Open Innovation Collaboration across industries and communities can yield sustainable solutions to shared challenges. The open-source software movement shows how co-creation can revolutionize industries by sharing resources and knowledge. Applying this approach to social and environmental issues can drive far-reaching change.
3. Conscious Decision-Making in Every Aspect of Business Every choice made by businesses—from sourcing materials to setting investment priorities—should reflect a commitment to human values. Conscious decision-making ensures that business growth supports society and the environment, rather than exploiting them.
4. Invest in Community Engagement and Local Partnerships Local communities are essential to sustainable development. When businesses invest in local economies through responsible sourcing and hiring, they not only support community growth but also create resilient supply chains that reduce the impact of global disruptions.
5. Push for Systemic Change Through Policy Advocacy Businesses must advocate for policies that promote ethical practices, such as fair wages, environmental protections, and social justice. A transparent political system where everyone’s voice is heard is crucial for creating an economy that serves the common good.

Leading the transition to a new economic era

Visionary leaders and purpose-driven companies can spearhead the shift towards a social economy. By embracing the Business Hippie Club’s guiding principles—Values, Purpose, Balance, Co-Creation, Responsibility, and Transparency—they can set new standards for what it means to thrive. It’s about redefining success to include the well-being of people and the planet, and inspiring others to join the movement.

The time for change is now

The world is facing unprecedented challenges, and the need for an economy built on human values has never been more pressing. By prioritizing courage, transparency, integrity, innovation, collaboration, and balance, we can create a social economy that not only generates profit but also enriches lives and protects our planet.

Let’s not settle for outdated models that serve only a select few. Instead, let’s build an economy where business drives positive change and human values shape our future.

Together, we can create (y)our ideal world—The Business Hippie Way, where profit and purpose go hand in hand, and society thrives as a whole.

Ready to Make a Real Impact?

If you're a leader, entrepreneur, or company ready to align your business with deeper purpose, I can help. At the Business Hippie Club, we bring visionary strategies, social innovation, and a values-driven approach to transform your business into a force for good. Let’s work together to redefine success, drive meaningful change, and build an economy that serves everyone.

Hire us today to start your journey towards a more purposeful and impactful business. Contact me and let’s co-create (y)our ideal world.

Peace, Love & Happiness!

Hans van de Rakt

Business Hippie Club