Working with Purpose

Kise, a freelance writer and management consultant, and Stark, a pastor of adult education, explore the spiritual value of work that is done with spiritual integrity. While the ""purpose"" of the title may seem trendy (who doesn't want to be purpose-driven these days?), the book's thoughtful commentary is anything but. The authors speak of an affluenza-like ""acquiring myth"" that tells us to earn more money, buy more things and live faster than ever before. Like many writers before them, they insist that such acquisition does not buy happiness. Unlike many other authors, however, they also observe that the acquiring myth is damaging on a macroeconomic level as well as an individual one, because it demands ever-greater taxation of finite natural resources. The book's various chapters discuss purpose, profit, products and places, people and the planet. Although the relentless ""P"" gimmick becomes irritating, Kise and Stark raise excellent points about social justice, globalization and sustainability. Above all, they maintain, businesses should strive for a well-conceived ""corporate calling"" that considers spirituality and ethics, not just the bottom line. The authors do more than diagnose the problem; they frequently provide concrete examples of companies that are getting it right.