In this ground-breaking book, Asesh Sarkar presents a visionary solution for the widening rift between everyday people and shareholders within contemporary capitalist systems and societies.
Sarkar compellingly argues that this gap – where economic growth is realised primarily through corporate profits and favours shareholders over the general population – is fuelling impoverishment and risking the potential for mass social unrest. Here he introduces an innovative approach that business leaders can leverage to make capitalism work for all.
Enter the Customer Co-ownership Economy – a revolutionary model where companies align capitalism with wealth distribution by allocating shares to customers, transforming them into vested 'co-owners' with a stake in the company’s success.
Drawing on robust economic reasoning, supported by academic research and insights, Sarkar champions this ownership structure as a win-win scenario. Businesses will enjoy heightened loyalty, goodwill and share of wallet, invaluable market insights to improve R&D, plus an engaged investor base that’s vital to growth and success. Customers will gain wealth through share ownership, regular dividends, financial literacy and a voice in corporate decisions.
Through vivid anecdotes and clear modelling, Sarkar artfully illustrates the transformative potential of the Co-owned concept, demonstrating its compelling commercial benefits for businesses, substantial wealth generation for households, and a profoundly positive impact on society.
Powerful in its simplicity and logic, by making a persuasive case for his 'capitalist cure' to recalibrate business and society, Sarkar provides an optimistic path for concerned business leaders and policymakers grappling with capitalism's flaws, promising a more equitable and prosperous future for all.